EPCOT is one of the best examples of imagination and most unique experiences that you could experience at a theme park in the world. When you’re thinking about going to Walt Disney World, there’s the Magic Kingdom and “the other parks”…but it’s becoming more and more evident that folks should go and experience everything that EPCOT has to offer!
FOUR UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOODS
EPCOT was originally designed as two separate parks, and while it’s now evolved into four distinct neighborhoods (World Discovery, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Showcase), you can still feel that original dual-park magic. The right dominos fell in order to allow for the theme park that we see today!
EPCOT OPENS IN STAGES
The World Showcase doesn’t actually open with the rest of EPCOT at 9am, so keep that in mind when you’re thinking about where to start. Basically, you’ll be able to ride Frozen Ever After and get food at select locations. One of these spots is Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in France, which is our favorite quick service location in EPCOT! The rest of the World Showcase opens at 11am.
FOOD
Most folks think about EPCOT in the same breath as the Disney Park with the most dining options, so know that you won’t walk too far without being tempted with good eats! Some of the highest-rated spots include:
Favorite Table Service:
- Teppan Edo in Japan
- Via Napoli in Italy
- Le Cellier in Canada
- Biergarten in Germany
Must-Try Quick Service:
- Regal Eagle in America
- Kringla Bakeri in Norway
- Yorkshire Fish Shop in UK
- Les Halles Boulangerie in France
DRINKING AROUND THE WORLD
There’s an unofficial and un-sanctioned activity which involves getting a drink from each pavilion around the World Showcase. Although Drinking around the World is popular, it’s actually because the pavilions are stocked with uniquely international flavors that you’ll discover as you’re making your way around the 1.2 mile long trek.
ATTRACTION STRATEGY
Here’s what you need to know about the biggest rides:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind uses a virtual queue system – there’s NO standby line! Make sure to join through the My Disney Experience app.
- Test Track has a single rider line! If you’re riding alone (or with a group that doesn’t mind being split up), you can head into this line and bypass the pre-show before becoming a seat-filler! The line goes quickly because the ride vehicles are designed with 6 seats per car, with 3 in the front and 3 in the back.
- Frozen Ever After is best experienced first thing in the morning or last thing at night for shorter waits.
CHARACTERS ARE EVERYWHERE
From Character Dining to specific meet & greets around World Showcase, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Disney Magic! Look for:
- Mickey & friends near Spaceship Earth
- Anna & Elsa by the Royal Sommerhus
- Belle & Aurora in France
- Jasmine in Morocco
- Snow White in Germany
- And many more!
MERCHANDISE & UNIQUE SHOPPING
Creations is your “Emporium” of EPCOT, with a huge footprint and tons of stuff to buy in one place. Outside of that, there’s the shops of the World Showcase including:
- Northwest Mercantile in Canada
- Mitsukoshi in Japan
- Yong Feng Shandian in China
- Der Teddy Bar toy shop in Germany
- And so many more!
Related article: The Best Places to Buy Unique Gifts in Disney World
ENTERTAINMENT
EPCOT is jam-packed with exciting entertainment! From the Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure to the entertainment acts in each pavilion…just make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for current show times.
DAY TO NIGHT
As the sun sets at Walt Disney World, there’s a whole new experience that presents itself…nighttime magic! Don’t miss:
- Luminous – the stunning nighttime spectacular on World Showcase Lagoon
- Spaceship Earth Beacons of Magic – special lighting effects every 15 minutes after sunset
I hope that these tips were helpful and that your next trip to EPCOT will be as magical as possible!