EPCOT: A Different Kind of Theme Park
One of Disney’s most famous theme parks besides Magic Kingdom is EPCOT. This was one of the last theme parks that Walt Disney himself worked on before his passing, but at the time it wasn’t a theme park. He was designing a community. A community of the future. He called it the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” or as we all know it, EPCOT.
This park is not your typical park though. Yes, it has rides and attractions but it is more of a relaxed and educational vibe. One where you can get lost in all that it has to offer.
Before 2021, EPCOT was split into 2 areas: World Showcase and Future World. Today, the park is divided into four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.
WORLD CELEBRATION
After entering the park, you'll find yourself in World Celebration. This is the central hub of EPCOT, connecting all the other neighborhoods together.
Spaceship Earth is one of two rides in this area. Hop on and take a journey back in time and learn how communication has evolved throughout the world’s history. WARNING: it is a bit outdated. This ride was introduced before cell phones were a thing. But don't let that stop you. It is a great way to get out of the Florida heat. Nestled behind the iconic sphere, Geo-82 offers a relaxing atmosphere and unique beverages for guests 21 and older.
Explore the senses with Figment on Journey into Imagination With Figment! This ride takes you on a nice, slow tour of the laboratory of Dr. Nigel Channing, that is, until Figment takes over, sending you on a crazy whirlwind tour. Before it's over, your senses will be pushed to their limits. While this ride is usually a walk on, be sure to slow down and look at all the cool things in the queue, including props from some of the most popular movies back in the day.
CommuniCore plaza is a wide open space that is home to live music and performers. Be sure to catch Maribel from Encanto and dance to all your favorite songs from the film. CommuniCore Hall is another part of CommuniCore that serves as a multi use building for different events and demonstrations. Be sure to meet Mickey and the gang when you are in the neighborhood as well.
While most are familiar with the Partners statue at Magic Kingdom, a new iconic statue was placed at Dreamer’s Point. “Walt the Dreamer” sits on a bench just behind Spaceship Earth, and stares out toward the World Showcase. It is there to remind us that no matter what your dreams are, as long as you work toward them, you can make them come true. Feel free to take a picture with the statue as a reminder that all things are possible.
WORLD DISCOVERY
Just to the left of World Celebration is World Discovery. This neighborhood brings technology, science and space exploration to life. With thrill rides to get your heart racing, this area is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Ever wondered what it's like to drive a prototype car? Head to Test Track and test a car in different scenarios. From sharp turns, rapid acceleration and braking, and avoidance testing and at a top speed of 65 mph, you are the driver in this crazy but fun experience. And when you exit the ride, be sure to stop by and see all the vehicles General Motors has to offer. You might just find your next car.
Want to see what Earth looks like from Space? Maybe even see Mars? Mission: Space sends you into outer space as you train to be the next generation of astronauts. WARNING: There are two sides to this ride, orange and green. If you get motion sickness easily (like me) then be sure to choose the green side, and not the orange.
Help Rocket and the Guardians recover a powerful device before it falls into the wrong hands. Board a reverse-launch roller coaster unlike anything else at Walt Disney World as you blast through space, twisting, turning, and rotating through the cosmos in pursuit of a Celestial threat. With massive screens, incredible special effects, and a soundtrack pulled straight from Star-Lord's iconic mixtape, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind combines thrilling storytelling and high-speed adventure into one unforgettable experience.
After chasing Celestials, racing cars and astronaut training, you are sure to work up an appetite. Stop on over to Space 220. Take an elevator out of this world (almost literally) into the upper atmosphere and enjoy great drinks and food that is out of this world. Dishes such as the Nebula Sea Bass and Orbit Filet Mignon are sure to make your taste buds soar.
WORLD NATURE
On the other side of World Celebration from World Discovery is World Nature. After chasing aliens across the galaxy, sometimes a nice slow neighborhood is just what you need. This area is dedicated to our planet and the ways we can preserve it.
Take a walk through Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, as you learn about the water cycle through interactive water features. Make water sing when you run your hand through it. Walk through a waterfall as it stops to make sure you don’t get wet. And if getting wet is the plan to cool off, splash around in the splash pad at the end.
While the attractions here aren't as thrilling as those in World Discovery, they offer a relaxing change of pace.
Join Marlin and Dory on The Seas with Nemo and Friends as they race to find Nemo, again. This slow moving ride takes you through the story of Finding Nemo and ends in one of the biggest aquariums in the country. See rescued manatees and ask keepers questions as you watch the manatees eat lettuce thrown into the tank. Beyond the main aquarium, smaller exhibits showcase everything from seahorses and clownfish to eels and other unique underwater species. Home to different types of sharks, fish, rays, and turtles is the main aquarium. This tank has an almost 360°viewing where you can sit there for hours and watch the marine life swim. You may even see divers cleaning, feeding or just hanging out answering questions via a magnetic board to those in the viewing area. COOL FACT: if you’re SCUBA certified, you can actually book a backstage tour and swim with the fishes in this tank.
Have a question about the ocean? Crush is always up to talk to humans at Turtle Talk with Crush. Want to know more about the ocean or just want to ask what his favorite color is (spoiler: it's purple), ask away. He might even have a few questions for you as well.
Next to the Seas with Nemo and Friends is the Land Pavillion. Here you will find two rides with different vibes: Living with the Land and Soarin’, as well as Garden Grill Restaurant.
Take a relaxing boat ride through the greenhouses of Living with the Land and discover how Disney uses innovative and sustainable farming techniques to help feed guests throughout Walt Disney World. From towering vegetables and tropical fruits to creative growing methods you may have never seen before, this peaceful attraction offers a fascinating look at the future of agriculture and the importance of caring for our planet.
Soarin’ is a high flying attraction that takes you around the world to see some of the most amazing places on the planet. This 4D attraction lets you not only see these places but smell them as well. From the plains of Africa, to Paris, and the Great Wall of China experience the world like never before.
Garden Grill Restaurant is a slow rotating (yes rotating) eatery within the pavilion. Serving a healthier menu for those that like to eat a bit cleaner, and most of the food served is sourced from the greenhouse that you toured on Living with the Land. And keep your eyes open, you might even run into Mickey and the gang.
WORLD SHOWCASE
While the majority of EPCOT got a major facelift, the World Showcase hasn’t changed much except for the expansion of France and the addition of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This area brings the world together in one place. Here you can experience 11 different countries in one day. Shop goods that you would normally find in other parts of the world. Enjoy dishes from all over the globe and drinks to accompany them. Want to know more about those countries? Just ask the cast members,they're actually from there. (Side note: always start in Mexico, no matter what others say, lol)
While the main focus on the World Showcase is bringing the world together, there are still some rides to enjoy.
In the Mexico pavilion, inside the massive Mayan pyramid, is a charming boat ride called Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, based on the 1944 animated film. Join Panchito and José Carioca as they search for Donald Duck before a big performance. Along the way, you'll sail past famous landmarks, colorful celebrations, and scenes inspired by Mexico's rich culture and history. Filled with catchy music, vibrant scenery, and plenty of Disney humor, this relaxing attraction is a hidden gem within World Showcase.
Over in the Norway pavilion, journey to the Kingdom of Arendelle aboard Frozen Ever After and relive some of your favorite moments from Frozen. Sail past familiar characters like Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven as you make your way to Elsa's Ice Palace high atop the North Mountain. Filled with beloved songs, stunning animatronics, and a few surprises along the way, this family-friendly boat ride has become one of the most popular attractions in EPCOT's World Showcase.
Shrink to the size of a rat in Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, one of EPCOT's newest attractions. Join Remy and his friends as they race through Gusteau's restaurant to prepare the perfect meal before a famous food critic arrives. Scurry beneath tables, dodge kitchen hazards, and avoid being discovered as you experience the restaurant from a rat's-eye view. Just remember—getting caught might put you on the menu!
EPCOT FESTIVALS
While EPCOT is a truly amazing experience on its own, adding a festival just makes it even better. EPCOT hosts four different festivals throughout the year.
From mid-January until late February, Festival of the Arts brings artists from all over to showcase their work. From paintings, to sidewalk chalk art, to statues, this festival celebrates art and the artists who create it. And if there is something you like, you might even be able to buy it and bring it home to remember your trip.
From early March to early June, EPCOT becomes a lot greener. The Flower and Garden Festival brings Spring into full bloom. Enjoy shrubs in the shape of your favorite characters. Learn about the butterflies' life cycles and the importance of these majestic creatures. Watch presentations and demonstrations related to gardening, landscaping, sustainability, and food production.
The Food and Wine Festival is one of the busiest festivals at EPCOT. Running from late August to right before Thanksgiving, come experience food and drinks that you don't find in the 11 already established countries. Food from Greece, India and even more can be tasted as well as drinks from these places. You can even experience amazing food like kalua pork from Hawaii!
Starting the day after Halloween, Disney gets ready for the holiday season with trees and lights. From late November to late December is when the Festival of the Holidays comes to life. Celebrate the holidays in all different ways from different cultures. Listen to storytellers share stories and legends. Collect cookies on a cookie scavenger hunt for a prize at the end. And let us not forget the most traditional part of the Festival of the Holidays, the Candlelight Processional. Accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir, listen to the story of the biblical telling of the Christmas story told by some of your favorite celebrities. Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and Gary Sinise are just some of the more frequent readers of the story, as well as some newer readers. Readers like the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the animated Star Wars shows, Ashley Eckstein and the male vocalist for the nighttime firework show at Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After, Jordan Fisher are just some of the newer readers to join this traditional reading.
From thrilling attractions and incredible festivals to world-class dining and unforgettable cultural experiences, EPCOT offers something unlike any other Disney park. Whether you're soaring through space with the Guardians of the Galaxy, sampling cuisine from around the world, or discovering the magic of innovation and imagination, no two visits to EPCOT are ever the same.
With so much to see, do, and taste, planning the perfect EPCOT day can feel overwhelming. That's where we come in. From selecting the right resort and dining reservations to helping you navigate Lightning Lanes and festival offerings, we're here to help make your Disney vacation as stress-free as possible.
Ready to experience EPCOT for yourself? Click the link below and send us a message. We'll help you create a vacation that's perfectly tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style.
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