Welcome to EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and one of my favorite parks in the Walt Disney World Resort! Are you ready for a whirlwind adventure filled with cool technology, thrilling rides, and the chance to travel the world—all in a single day? If so, you're in for a treat! EPCOT is a unique blend of innovation and global exploration, and with the right plan, you can travel the world, ride thrilling attractions, and eat your heart out—all in one magical day! Follow this ultimate guide to make the most of your EPCOT adventure, packed with fun, food, and fireworks.
Cool technology, amazing food, plus the ability to travel the world in a single afternoon? Count me in!
(The EPCOT Ball houses Spaceship Earth)
World Nature: Dive into the Wonders of Our Planet
Get ready to be amazed by the beauty and splendor of World Nature! This area is all about celebrating our planet and learning how to protect it. Here are some must-see attractions:
Soarin’ Around the World
Description: Strap in and prepare for takeoff on this epic hang-glider simulator ride! You'll fly over iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China, and the African savanna.
Why Visit: The stunning visuals, swooshing sounds, and even the smells make you feel like you’re really there. It’s an absolute must for everyone!
Tiff's Take: Patrick Warburton (AKA Kronk from The Emperor's New Groove) is the best chief flight attendant ever!
Living with the Land
Description: Take a relaxing boat ride through futuristic greenhouses and see how we can grow food in innovative ways. It’s both a science lesson and a chill time-out!
Why Visit: Perfect for when you need a break from the excitement but still want to be fascinated. Plus, it’s super cool to see fish farms and Mickey-shaped pumpkins!
Tiff's Take: That pan flute at the end *Chef's Kiss* .
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Description: Dive under the sea with Nemo, Marlin, and Dory on this adorable ride. You’ll end up in a massive aquarium teeming with marine life.
Why Visit: Kids will love finding Nemo, and everyone can enjoy watching real fish swim around in the huge tanks.
Tiff's Take: This is a must do if only to get to Turtle Talk with Crush!
Turtle Talk with Crush
Description: Dude! Chat with Crush the sea turtle in this interactive show. He answers questions from the audience in real-time—totally awesome!
Why Visit: It’s a hilarious and unique experience where Crush’s jokes and wisdom keep both kids and adults entertained.
Tiff's Take: This show is surprisingly hilarious, don't miss it!
World Discovery: Blast Off into Adventure!
Ready for some high-tech, high-energy fun? World Discovery is the place for you! It’s all about science, technology, and out-of-this-world experiences.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Description: Join Star-Lord, Rocket, and the gang on this epic coaster that spins and zooms through space. The awesome soundtrack will have you dancing in your seat!
Why Visit: It’s one of EPCOT’s newest and most exciting rides—perfect for thrill-seekers and Marvel fans alike.
Tiff's Take: My absolute favorite ride in all of Disney World!
Mission: SPACE
Description: Ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut? This simulator lets you experience a space mission, with options for a more intense or milder ride.
Why Visit: Feel the G-forces and the excitement of a space launch—without leaving Earth!
Tiff's Take: The orange side is not for the feint of heart, if you get even a little bit motion sick, stick with the green side!
Test Track
Description: Design your own virtual car and then hop in to test it on a high-speed track. How will your car handle the twists, turns, and speed?
Why Visit: It’s a blast to see how your custom car performs, and the high-speed finale is super exhilarating!
Tiff's Take: I know you aren't going to crash with the semi-truck, but I still. jump. every. time.!
(It really is the best ride ever!)
World Celebration: The Heartbeat of EPCOT
Take a breather in World Celebration, where EPCOT’s spirit of innovation and community comes to life. It’s the perfect pit stop between adventures.
Spaceship Earth
Description: Hop into the iconic geodesic sphere and journey through the history of human communication, from cave paintings to the internet.
Why Visit: It’s a classic EPCOT ride that’s both enlightening and nostalgic—a must-do for any visit.
Tiff's Take: I love this ride so much it inspired me to get a communication degree. The smell of Rome burning is my favorite. If you can read this blog, thank the Phoenicians!
Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future
Description: Check out this interactive exhibit right after Spaceship Earth. Explore cutting-edge technologies and imagine the possibilities of tomorrow.
Why Visit: Hands-on activities make it fun for all ages, and you might just see the future of tech!
Tiff's Take: Let out your inner child and have fun in this interactive play ground! It's also a great place to wait out a thunderstorm!
Dreamers Point
Description: Pay tribute to Walt Disney himself at this serene spot with lush gardens and inspiring views. Snap a selfie with the statue of Walt!
Why Visit: It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to reflect on Walt Disney’s incredible vision and creativity.
Tiff's Take: Do it for the gram!
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Description: Embark on a water-filled adventure through the natural water cycle, inspired by Disney’s Moana. This walkthrough attraction features interactive elements and beautiful water displays.
Why Visit: It’s a refreshing and fun way to learn about water’s journey from the mountains to the sea, with the magic of Moana guiding you.
Tiff's Take: Cool down and learn about water. The kids love playing in the exhibit as well!
(EPCOT Ball, Spaceship Earth)
Disney Genie+ plays a big role in how you spend your morning at EPCOT. I recommend making your first Genie+ selection for either Test Track or Soarin'. Whichever one is available for the earliest time. Make sure to stick to that side of Epcot (either World Nature or World Discovery) until ride everything and move to the other side only once you're done with all of the rides on that side.
Onward to World Showcase!
With World Nature and World Discovery under your belt, and a delightful pause at World Celebration, it's time to embark on an international adventure in World Showcase. Explore the culture, cuisine, and traditions of 11 different countries, each with unique attractions, dining, and shopping experiences. And remember, the only correct way to start is in Mexico! Anyone who tells you otherwise is WRONG!
Some of EPCOT's most popular rides are found in the World Showcase. Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion. Keep an eye on Disney Genie+ for these rides and try to secure a time in the afternoon for your party!
Mexico Pavilion
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Cruise down the Rio Grande with Donald Duck and friends on a musical journey through Mexico.
Why Visit: With catchy tunes, colorful scenes, and plenty of laughs, this fiesta-filled boat ride is a must-do for the whole family!
Tiff's take: A great place to cool down before moving on to the rest of World Showcase.
Norway Pavilion
Frozen Ever After: Join Anna, Elsa, and Olaf on a magical boat journey through the wintry world of Arendelle, filled with songs, snow, and surprises.
Why Visit: Experience the magic of Frozen in this family-friendly adventure, perfect for fans of all ages!
Tiff's Take: Warning, you will have these songs stuck in your head all day!
France Pavilion
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure: Shrink down to rat size and race through Paris with Remy on a culinary adventure like no other.
Why Visit: Inspired by the hit Pixar film, this ride is a deliciously fun feast for the senses, sure to delight foodies and movie buffs alike!
Tiff's Take: I'm old now and the 3D sometimes makes me motion sick, but this is still one of the coolest rides at EPCOT!
Remember, one of the best parts about EPCOT, is the snacks! Read on to see what my favorite snacks are from around the world.
The Ultimate EPCOT Snack Attack
Here’s your essential list of must-try snacks from each pavilion to keep you energized and delighted:
Norway: Treat yourself to School Bread at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, a sweet pastry filled with custard.
China: Sip on refreshing tea and enjoy a quick bite at Joy of Tea.
Germany: Munch on a giant pretzel from Sommerfest.
Italy: Cool off with some creamy gelato from Gelateria Toscana.
The American Adventure: Indulge in a classic American funnel cake.
Japan: Savor sushi and mochi ice cream from Katsura Grill.
Morocco: Delight in sweet baklava and other pastries at Tangierine Café.
France: Don't miss the macaron from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, or try the irresistible chocolate croissant.
United Kingdom: Enjoy some traditional fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
Canada: Warm up with a bowl of rich cheddar cheese soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse.
(Great views from all around World Showcase!)
Evening Spectacular: Illuminations
As the day winds down, find a prime spot along the World Showcase Lagoon for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. For the best view, position yourself between Future World and World Showcase, ideally between the Mexico and Canada pavilions. This stunning show of fireworks, lasers, and water effects is the perfect finale to your EPCOT adventure.
Tips for a Magical Day
Use Disney Genie: Keep an eye on the Disney Genie app throughout the day to make the most of your time and avoid zigzagging across the park.
Individual Lightning Lane & Virtual Queue: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is my absolute favorite ride in all of Disney World. This ride uses both a virtual queue and Individual lightning lane. With Individual Lightning Lane, you can purchase access to a speedy line for top rides, skipping the long waits. For the hottest attractions, the Virtual Queue lets you join a digital line via the My Disney Experience app. You’ll get a boarding group and can explore the park until it’s your turn to ride. Both options help you spend more time having fun and less time waiting!
Plan Your Route: Finish all the rides in Future World before diving into the World Showcase to save time and energy.
Book Through a Disney Travel Agent: Sprinkle some extra pixie dust on your vacation by booking through an Earmarked Disney Travel Agent. Their expertise can help you have an even more magical day at EPCOT.
(Family memories at EPCOT)
With this guide, you're all set to have an epic day at EPCOT filled with fun, food, and unforgettable moments. Let the adventures begin!
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