EPCOT, the second theme park that opened at Walt Disney World in Central Florida, is one in every of my favourite Disney parks and probably the greatest locations to go to throughout a Disney trip. It has the repute of being extra of an grownup vacation spot, though there are many issues for youths to love as properly.
I all the time suggest together with a minimum of sooner or later at EPCOT throughout your loved ones trip. Listed here are a few of the most fun and finest issues to do in EPCOT at Disney World, no matter your pursuits.
I’m a former member of the planDisney Panel (previously the Disney Mothers Panel) and have been on some complimentary press journeys at Walt Disney World, however all opinions are my very own. I’ve additionally paid my very own means many instances. This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks (together with hyperlinks within the map beneath) and a purchase order/click on by one in every of these hyperlinks could end in a fee paid to us.
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The Most Thrilling and Finest Issues to Do in EPCOT
EPCOT (previously referred to as EPCOT Middle) has been doing renovations and transformations, with new issues being added all year long. Even should you’ve been to EPCOT previously, you could discover some brand-new issues to expertise in your subsequent go to.
One of many latest adjustments is the separation of the park into 4 distinct “lands”. Up to now, there was Future World and the World Showcase. Now, Future World has been separated into three lands: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
Remember that you’ll must have a legitimate park ticket for that day (and a park reservation in case you are an annual passholder). Many friends get pleasure from spending the night at EPCOT, particularly if they’ve dinner plans there.
Experience the Sights at EPCOT
In recent times, Walt Disney World has launched the brand new Genie+ system. This technique changed the FastPass system however does include a further price. It’s elective whether or not or not you select so as to add this to your tickets. You received’t need to buy it for daily, you possibly can add it on for a single day of your journey.
I like to recommend Genie+ for the EPCOT rides in case you are restricted on time and aren’t on a strict funds. It undoubtedly may help you save time throughout your Disney trip. When you’ve got a Genie+ reservation, throughout your time window, you possibly can skip the standby line and can as an alternative undergo the lightning lane entrance.
Listed here are the attractions and rides that are currently open at EPCOT:
World Showcase
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – positioned within the Mexico pavilion, this can be a mild boat trip that’s nice for youths.
- Frozen Ever After – Followers of the film Frozen received’t need to miss this darkish trip attraction that includes their favorite characters from the film.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Journey – In one of many new rides, get shrunk right down to the scale of Remy on this trackless trip by a kitchen as Remy prepares dinner.
World Celebration
- Spaceship Earth – this basic trip within the large EPCOT ball icon takes you thru the historical past of civilization.
- Journey Into Creativeness with Figment – Observe Figment the dragon by a tour of the Creativeness Institute
World Nature
- The Seas With Nemo and Pals – an amazing trip for youths that takes you thru the storyline of the unique Discovering Nemo film.
- Turtle Discuss With Crush – work together with Crush from Discovering Nemo on this enjoyable present.
- Residing With the Land – study modern ways in which meals could be grown on this mild boat trip.
- Soarin’ – You’ll really feel like you’re hang-gliding over the world on this hybrid film/trip which is likely one of the finest rides at Disney World.
World Discovery
- Mission: House – There are two variations of this area trip – one that’s milder and is best for these susceptible to movement illness and one that’s extra of a thrill trip.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – the latest trip at EPCOT encompasses a reverse launch curler coaster begin and is likely one of the most fun rides at Walt Disney World. Proper now, you’ll both must enter the digital queue or buy an individual lightning lane.
- Take a look at Monitor – construct a SIM take a look at automotive and check it out on this attraction. Take a look at Monitor shall be closing in June 2024 for a 3rd imagining.
Be taught About Worldwide Locations
Though I really like rides, my favourite a part of the theme park is the World Showcase space, the place you’ll discover the eleven countries in EPCOT. These nations not solely supply eating places and sights, however in addition they give you the chance to study some widespread worldwide locations.
Presently, the eleven nations represented are the next:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- The American Journey
- Japan
- Morroco
- France
- The UK
- Canada
There are a lot of issues to do in all of those World Showcase pavilions – most of which is able to train you concerning the tradition, meals, and other people of their respective nations. There are films, like Reflections of China, Impressions de France, and Canada Far and Vast, which might be each entertaining and academic.
You may also see avenue leisure, characters, structure and buildings, retailers, gardens, and extra which might be consultant of the precise nations. Solid members working within the nations are sometimes residents of these nations, so you may also study quite a bit from them.
Tour Round With Kidcot Enjoyable Stops
In case you are visiting with babies, they will nonetheless get pleasure from their enjoyable at EPCOT. The Kidcot Enjoyable Stops are a enjoyable factor to do with youngsters within the World Showcase. They’ll be capable of stroll round to those completely different spots and take part in an exercise themed to the precise nation. There are eleven Kidcot stops – one in every nation.
Pattern Meals and Drinks from Across the World
Ask folks what they love most about EPCOT, and most will in all probability say the meals. The World Showcase affords many kiosks, quick service, and desk service eating places providing widespread delicacies from all of those completely different nations. As well as, there are additionally a number of improbable restaurants in the other three worlds of EPCOT, together with two spots within the Land pavilion providing meals that was grown proper there.
Whereas I believe all the eating places on the World Showcase are scrumptious, I’ve a couple of favorites:
- Le Cellier in Canada (Canadian steakhouse)
- Tutto Italia in Italy (Italian specialties)
- By way of Napoli in Italy (for scrumptious pizza)
- Tangierine Cafe (fast service in Morocco)
- Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie (French pastries and quick-serve meals)
Like the opposite Walt Disney World desk service eating places, these eating places supply advance eating reservations. They are often extremely popular, so we suggest making reservations as early as doable to make sure one of the best availability.
Attend a Competition
EPCOT is residence to a number of large-scale festivals all year long. These alone are value visiting EPCOT on a trip as a result of all of them have enjoyable and distinctive particular occasions.
Whereas these EPCOT festivals supply paid occasions (and meals is an additional price), many of the actions and occasions are included along with your park admission. If there’s a paid occasion you’d wish to attend, however positive to make reservations as quickly as you possibly can.
The primary competition of the 12 months is the EPCOT Competition of the Arts. It options meals cubicles in addition to artist shows, seminars, retailers, and extra. There are additionally concert events held recurrently within the theater within the middle of the World Showcase.
Subsequent, within the spring, is the EPCOT Flower and Backyard Competition. This annual occasion options exhibits, flower and backyard shows, seminars, and meals cubicles. It’s an effective way to have a good time spring.
The ultimate massive competition of the 12 months is the preferred. The Epcot Worldwide Meals and Wine Competition is a beloved occasion celebrating the meals and drinks of the world.
There are a lot of meals cubicles, displays, and bigger occasions. It’s so widespread that it’s been expanded by the years to incorporate much more weeks.
I extremely suggest visiting the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. It’s an amazing place to get lunch or dinner and check out some samples of meals from around the globe.
Even you probably have different park plans throughout the day, add on the park hopper so you possibly can go to within the night. I do, nevertheless, suppose that EPCOT is a good place to go to for all the day.
All three of those festivals have live performance sequence with widespread artists. If you wish to see one in every of these concert events, it’s a good suggestion to e-book one of many eating packages that embrace seating within the theater.
Store ‘Til You Drop at EPCOT
I really like procuring, and there are some nice locations to buy in EPCOT. My favourite is the Creations Store, which changed the favored Mouse Gear. It’s an enormous store providing a big number of Disney merchandise.
Some nice small retailers are a part of the World Showcase. These boutiques and reward retailers supply merchandise from completely different EPCOT nations, like jewellery, fragrance, and clothes. They’re an amazing place to buy and get a enjoyable memento of your time in EPCOT.
The place to Keep for an EPCOT Go to
In case you are planning on a household trip to EPCOT, you could be questioning the place to remain. Whereas any of the Walt Disney World resort inns and close by unbiased inns could be handy, some are higher for direct entry to EPCOT.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Membership, and Disney’s Seashore Membership are all inside strolling distance. You’ll enter by the Worldwide Gateway entrance, which is within the World Showcase between the France pavilion and the UK pavilion. It’s very handy for any friends to EPCOT and is commonly much less crowded.
For extra concepts on the place to remain for a go to to EPCOT, have a look at the map (affiliate hyperlinks) beneath:
