When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you may have speculated on how to spend your day at the massive park known as Epcot. The park is divided into two sections: Future World (made up of eight pavilions) and the World Showcase (themed to 11 nations). There is plenty to do during the day, but there are also great attractions at night! Below are some highlights to make the most out of your
time at Epcot.
time at Epcot.
Arrive early to maximize your time at Epcot
Epcot takes up a lot of real estate at Disney World (it is almost three times bigger Magic Kingdom). World Showcase opens a bit later than Future World, so it is a good idea to hit as many attractions as possible in Future World before heading over to World Showcase. Arriving at rope drop (or earlier if the park has Extra Magic Hours) will allow you to experience Future World's most popular rides (Soarin' & Test Track) and attractions without having to wait in much of a line. If anyone in the group suffers from motion sickness, they may want to skip Soarin'. Once you have checked out Soarin' and Test Track, be sure to make stops at Journey into Imagination, Living with the Land, and The Seas with Nemo and Friends.
Be Prepared to Walk
Plan on wearing a comfortable pair of shoes. If you have young children in your group, you will want to bring or rent a stroller due to the amount of walking required. Don't forget the sunscreen!
Check out the World Showcase
There is so much to see and do in the World Showcase that you should carve out plenty of time to explore it. There are fantastic sit-down restaurants (reservations recommended), a myriad of treats you can walk-up and enjoy (see below), cultural films, performances, shopping opportunities, and interesting attractions. There are two rides in the World Showcase, the Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros (Mexico pavilion) and Frozen Ever After (Norway pavilion). Take your time in each pavilion.
Snacks....snacks....and more snacks
“Snacking around the world” is a fantastic experience for your taste buds to enjoy while at Epcot! The park has a reputation for the most interesting food and drink options at Disney World, so be ready to use those snack credits! Check with your On The Road Travel Disney Vacation Planner for their favorite Epcot snacks!
Character Meet And Greets
Snow White, Anna, Elsa, Mary Poppins, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, Winnie the Pooh… these are a few of the many Disney characters that can be found in the different areas of the World Showcase. Some of the characters are tucked away in the showcase countrie, so be sure to venture into each pavillion. Upon entering Epcot, make sure you obtain a “Times Guide”. The pamphlet outlines the locations of Disney characters and the times they will appear. If there is a character who is a must-meet for anyone in the family, plan to attend the greeting as early in the day as possible. Wait times will grow longer as the day goes on.
Collect Kidcot passport stamps in World Showcase
Collect stamps and create a personalized souvenir at any or all 11 of these World Showcase craft stations. Cast Members will share insights about their native land, teach you how to say "hello" in the host country's native language, and provide a stamp of Duffy for each country visited. Children of all ages can enjoy coloring a cardboard cut-out of Duffy the Bear at these designated stations.
Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops
Mexico Pavilion (near Animales Fantasticos)
Norway Pavilion (at The Puffin’s Roost)
China Pavilion (near the exit of Reflections of China)
Germany Pavilion (at Volkunst)
Italy Pavilion (outside, near La Bottega Italiana)
American Adventure Pavilion (outside, near Heritage Manor Gifts)
Japan Pavilion (in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery)
Morocco Pavilion (at the Marketplace in the Medina)
France Pavilion (at Souvenirs de France)
United Kingdom Pavilion (at The Toy Soldier)
Canada Pavilion (at the exit of O Canada!)
Be Sure to Take a Break
Epcot’s World Showcase offers an escape from the roller coaster rides and shoulder-to-shoulder guests. Head into any of the countries and you will discover comfortable spots where you can sit and enjoy the view and savor a drink and/or snack. If you need a break from the heat, take in a movie. Reflections of China, Oh Canada, and Impressions de France spotlight these amazing countries. The films are not too long (usually 18 minutes or so ) and are worth checking out!
Dining at Epcot
Epcot has an abundance of dining options (reservations recommended) and it can be a bit overwhelming to know where you should eat. Be sure to check with your On The Road Disney Vacation Planner for dining recommendations.
IllumiNations Nighttime Spectacular
After dinner, it should be about time to grab a spot along World Showcase lagoon for IllumiNations. View the show anywhere throughout Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. Since this is an outdoor show, it is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. After IllumiNations, be sure to take a leisurely walk out of the park.
Visiting During a Special Event
Epcot takes up a lot of real estate at Disney World (it is almost three times bigger Magic Kingdom). World Showcase opens a bit later than Future World, so it is a good idea to hit as many attractions as possible in Future World before heading over to World Showcase. Arriving at rope drop (or earlier if the park has Extra Magic Hours) will allow you to experience Future World's most popular rides (Soarin' & Test Track) and attractions without having to wait in much of a line. If anyone in the group suffers from motion sickness, they may want to skip Soarin'. Once you have checked out Soarin' and Test Track, be sure to make stops at Journey into Imagination, Living with the Land, and The Seas with Nemo and Friends.
Be Prepared to Walk
Plan on wearing a comfortable pair of shoes. If you have young children in your group, you will want to bring or rent a stroller due to the amount of walking required. Don't forget the sunscreen!
Check out the World Showcase
There is so much to see and do in the World Showcase that you should carve out plenty of time to explore it. There are fantastic sit-down restaurants (reservations recommended), a myriad of treats you can walk-up and enjoy (see below), cultural films, performances, shopping opportunities, and interesting attractions. There are two rides in the World Showcase, the Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros (Mexico pavilion) and Frozen Ever After (Norway pavilion). Take your time in each pavilion.
Snacks....snacks....and more snacks
“Snacking around the world” is a fantastic experience for your taste buds to enjoy while at Epcot! The park has a reputation for the most interesting food and drink options at Disney World, so be ready to use those snack credits! Check with your On The Road Travel Disney Vacation Planner for their favorite Epcot snacks!
Character Meet And Greets
Snow White, Anna, Elsa, Mary Poppins, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, Winnie the Pooh… these are a few of the many Disney characters that can be found in the different areas of the World Showcase. Some of the characters are tucked away in the showcase countrie, so be sure to venture into each pavillion. Upon entering Epcot, make sure you obtain a “Times Guide”. The pamphlet outlines the locations of Disney characters and the times they will appear. If there is a character who is a must-meet for anyone in the family, plan to attend the greeting as early in the day as possible. Wait times will grow longer as the day goes on.
Collect Kidcot passport stamps in World Showcase
Collect stamps and create a personalized souvenir at any or all 11 of these World Showcase craft stations. Cast Members will share insights about their native land, teach you how to say "hello" in the host country's native language, and provide a stamp of Duffy for each country visited. Children of all ages can enjoy coloring a cardboard cut-out of Duffy the Bear at these designated stations.
Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops
Mexico Pavilion (near Animales Fantasticos)
Norway Pavilion (at The Puffin’s Roost)
China Pavilion (near the exit of Reflections of China)
Germany Pavilion (at Volkunst)
Italy Pavilion (outside, near La Bottega Italiana)
American Adventure Pavilion (outside, near Heritage Manor Gifts)
Japan Pavilion (in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery)
Morocco Pavilion (at the Marketplace in the Medina)
France Pavilion (at Souvenirs de France)
United Kingdom Pavilion (at The Toy Soldier)
Canada Pavilion (at the exit of O Canada!)
Be Sure to Take a Break
Epcot’s World Showcase offers an escape from the roller coaster rides and shoulder-to-shoulder guests. Head into any of the countries and you will discover comfortable spots where you can sit and enjoy the view and savor a drink and/or snack. If you need a break from the heat, take in a movie. Reflections of China, Oh Canada, and Impressions de France spotlight these amazing countries. The films are not too long (usually 18 minutes or so ) and are worth checking out!
Dining at Epcot
Epcot has an abundance of dining options (reservations recommended) and it can be a bit overwhelming to know where you should eat. Be sure to check with your On The Road Disney Vacation Planner for dining recommendations.
IllumiNations Nighttime Spectacular
After dinner, it should be about time to grab a spot along World Showcase lagoon for IllumiNations. View the show anywhere throughout Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. Since this is an outdoor show, it is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. After IllumiNations, be sure to take a leisurely walk out of the park.
Visiting During a Special Event
Epcot is home to many special events, from the Food and Wine Festival to the Flower and Garden Festival (and many in between). These special events come with special entertainment, interesting food vendors, and activities for the kiddos. There is no additional cost and they really enhance an impressive Epcot experience. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is held each spring and features beautiful flower displays and topiaries of favorite Disney characters. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is held during the fall and is a great event for foodies.
To start planning your next trip to Epcot, contact your On The Road Travel Agent! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
To start planning your next trip to Epcot, contact your On The Road Travel Agent! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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