EPCOT has returned to its original all-caps name, highlighting its roots as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow inspired by Walt Disney’s utopian vision.
Opened in 1982, it was a celebration of technology and innovation, but over time, the rapid pace of technological change made it challenging to maintain that original focus.
Today, while the techno-utopian ideals are less central, EPCOT remains a fun and fascinating park with exciting attractions like the groundbreaking Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster.
Although it may not fully reflect Disney’s original goals, the park—including the World Showcase—is still full of enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Blast off on an intergalactic adventure with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy!
One of the newest and most thrilling additions to EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a first-of-its-kind storytelling coaster that features a reverse launch and 360-degree rotation. Join Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot as you help them save the galaxy on this high-energy ride filled with music, humor, and action.
Why It’s a Must-Do: This attraction combines cutting-edge coaster technology with beloved characters and a nostalgic soundtrack, providing a unique and exhilarating experience.
- Height Requirement: 42 inches (106 cm).
- Ride Type: Indoor roller coaster featuring Disney’s first-ever backward launch with 360-degree movement.
- Thrill Level: High.
- Good For: Kids, teens, and adults.
- Lightning Lane/Virtual Queue: Available via Individual Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue.
- Ride Duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for shorter waits
2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to the size of a rat and explore Gusteau’s restaurant!
Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a family-friendly ride that takes you through a culinary adventure in Paris. Using trackless technology, you’ll scurry through a bustling kitchen, dodge chefs, and experience sights and smells that bring the film to life.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s an immersive, multi-sensory experience that delights guests of all ages, making you feel like you’re truly part of the story.
- Height Requirement: No minimum height required.
- Ride Type: Trackless dark ride.
- Thrill Level: Low, family-friendly.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds in the France Pavilion
3. Test Track
Design your own virtual concept car and take it for a high-speed spin!
At Test Track, you’ll step into the role of an automotive designer. Customize your own virtual vehicle for capability, efficiency, responsiveness, and power, then hop into a “SimCar” to see how it performs on the test track, reaching speeds up to 65 mph.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s EPCOT’s fastest ride and offers a unique interactive element where you can influence your ride experience.
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm).
- Ride Type: High-speed thrill ride where guests design and test their own virtual concept car.
- Thrill Level: High.
- Good For: Thrill-seekers.
- Rider Switch & Single Rider Line: Available for those with family members who can’t ride.
- Ride Speed: Up to 65 mph.
- Additional Features: Option to pose with your custom-designed car for photos after the ride
4. Soarin’ Around the World
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Fly over iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes from around the globe!
Soarin’ Around the World is a simulated hang-gliding experience that lifts you up and takes you on an awe-inspiring journey over some of the most famous sights on Earth, complete with wind effects and fragrant scents.
Why It’s a Must-Do: The combination of stunning visuals, motion, and sensory effects makes this a relaxing yet thrilling experience.
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm).
- Ride Type: Motion simulator that replicates the sensation of hang-gliding over famous global landmarks.
- Thrill Level: Medium.
- Duration: 5 minutes.
- Unique Features: Authentic scents and wind effects make it an immersive experience.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
5. Frozen Ever After
Join Anna, Elsa, and friends on a magical journey through Arendelle!
Set sail on a boat ride through the world of Disney’s “Frozen” at Frozen Ever After. You’ll encounter beloved characters, experience the magic of Elsa’s ice powers, and perhaps even sing along to familiar tunes.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a charming ride that beautifully blends storytelling and technology, appealing to fans of all ages.
- Height Requirement: No height requirement.
- Ride Type: Slow-moving dark boat ride based on Disney’s “Frozen”.
- Thrill Level: Medium.
- Duration: 5 minutes.
- Features: Small backward drop; great for all ages, especially “Frozen” fans.
- Best Time to Visit: Ideally ride it early in the day to avoid long wait times
6. Spaceship Earth
Travel through time inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere!
Spaceship Earth takes you on a slow-moving journey that explores the history of human communication, from prehistoric times to the modern era. With detailed animatronics and an engaging narrative, it’s both educational and entertaining.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a classic EPCOT experience housed within the park’s most recognizable structure.
- Height Requirement: No height restriction.
- Ride Type: Slow-moving educational ride inside the iconic geodesic sphere of EPCOT, focusing on human communication throughout history.
- Thrill Level: Low.
- Unique Aspects: Features detailed animatronics and ends with an interactive segment envisioning your future.
- Lightning Lane: Available for shorter waits
7. Mission: SPACE
Experience the thrill of space travel without leaving Earth!
Choose your adventure on Mission: SPACE: the intense Orange Mission that simulates a trip to Mars with centrifugal forces, or the milder Green Mission that offers an orbit around Earth. Both options provide a realistic astronaut experience.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s one of the most technologically advanced simulators, giving you a taste of space exploration.
- Height Requirement: 40 inches for Green Mission (milder experience); 44 inches for Orange Mission (more intense).
- Ride Type: High-thrill, motion simulator with centrifugal forces for the Orange Mission.
- Rider Switch Available: Useful for groups with individuals who don’t want to ride.
- Recommendation: Choose Green Mission if prone to motion sickness
8. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Dive into an underwater world with Nemo and his pals!
Board a “clamobile” and join Marlin and Dory as they search for Nemo in The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The ride concludes at a massive aquarium where you can observe real marine life.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a delightful blend of animation and live exhibits, perfect for families.
- Height Requirement: No height restriction.
- Ride Type: Dark ride through an underwater world, ending in an aquarium where guests can view marine life.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, especially if you want a break from the heat. Kids will love the interactive marine exhibits after the ride
9. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Let your imagination run wild with Figment, the playful purple dragon!
On Journey Into Imagination with Figment, you’ll explore the five senses in a whimsical way, led by the mischievous Figment who loves to turn things upside down.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a lighthearted attraction that celebrates creativity and inspires guests to think outside the box.
- Height Requirement: No height restriction.
- Ride Type: Whimsical dark ride exploring creativity with the character Figment.
- Thrill Level: Low.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
- Unique Feature: Features an interactive play area at the ride’s exit
10. Living with the Land
@mousetrapnews Lettuce know in the comments if you’re excited for this change! #disneyworld #disneynews #epcot #livingwiththeland #theland ♬ original sound – days_gone_disney
Discover the marvels of agriculture and sustainable technology!
Embark on a gentle boat tour through greenhouses and laboratories in Living with the Land. You’ll learn about innovative growing techniques and see crops from around the world.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s an enlightening experience that showcases Disney’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Ride Type: Gentle, educational boat ride through EPCOT’s greenhouse.
- Duration: 15 minutes.
- Lightning Lane Available: Ideal for a relaxed experience learning about sustainable agriculture
11. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Enjoy a musical boat ride through Mexico with Donald Duck and friends!
Located in the Mexico Pavilion, the Gran Fiesta Tour is a relaxing ride that combines animation with real-life settings as you follow Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles on a fun-filled adventure.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a charming and underrated attraction that offers a cultural experience with familiar Disney characters.
- Height Requirement: No height restriction.
- Ride Type: Slow boat ride featuring Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros.
- Thrill Level: Low.
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoon.
- Unique Aspects: Great family attraction integrating Mexican culture
12. Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Experience beloved short films in 4D!
At the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, you’ll watch three animated shorts in a theater equipped with special effects that enhance the storytelling.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy high-quality animation with added sensory surprises.
- Height Requirement: No height restriction.
- Type: 4D experience featuring three short films.
- Duration: Around 15 minutes.
- Good For: All ages, especially during hotter parts of the day for a cool break
13. Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Join Belle and friends in a delightful sing-along experience!
Located in the France Pavilion, the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along invites guests to participate in a retelling of the classic tale, complete with songs you know and love.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s interactive and entertaining, especially for fans of the film.
- Type: Sing-along show featuring beloved songs from the classic Disney movie.
- Tip: Alternates with “Impressions de France,” so plan accordingly to see both
14. World Showcase Pavilions
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Travel the world without leaving EPCOT!
EPCOT’s World Showcase features 11 pavilions representing different countries, each offering authentic food, entertainment, and shopping. From the architecture to the cultural exhibits, it’s an immersive experience.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s a unique opportunity to experience global cultures, cuisines, and traditions in one place.
- Type: Immersive pavilions representing different countries with food, entertainment, and shopping.
- Kidcot Fun Stops: Interactive activities for children are available at each pavilion.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but evenings are great for dining experiences
15. EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular
End your day with a breathtaking display of fireworks, music, and lights!
As of 2024, EPCOT continues to evolve its nighttime entertainment. Be sure to check the latest show, which combines pyrotechnics, lasers, and fountains to celebrate the spirit of EPCOT.
Why It’s a Must-Do: The nighttime spectaculars are a Disney tradition, offering a grand finale to your day.
Additional Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Use the My Disney Experience App: This app helps you navigate the park, check wait times, and make dining reservations. Download it here.
- Consider the EPCOT Festivals: EPCOT hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the International Flower & Garden Festival and the International Food & Wine Festival. These events offer special activities, food booths, and entertainment.
- Dining Reservations: EPCOT is known for its diverse dining options. Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants like Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada or Teppan Edo in Japan.
- Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Florida weather can be hot and humid. Wear comfortable shoes, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
