Welcome to the most controversial park. Some people absolutely love it. Some hate it. Like really hate it. I will tell you with kids under 3, there is less to do than some of the other parks. But with older kids now, EPCOT is awesome. Suddenly, there is too much to do. The major rides have long waits, and it is nearly impossible to catch them all in one day without skipping almost everything else EPCOT has to offer. EPCOT indisputably has the most dining options of any park. There are many diverse table service restaurants. There are also so many places to snack that I sometimes replace a meal with snacks throughout the day. EPCOT is the party park. There are alcoholic beverages available throughout World Showcase. EPCOT is usually open the latest of all the parks. Unique festivals frequently transform EPCOT in different ways. EPCOT has a nightly presentation of fireworks and theatrics in World Showcase Lagoon.
EPCOT Layout
EPCOT is basically designed in 2 halves. World Showcase is a half circle around a lagoon. The countries exhibited in World Showcase provide distinct areas for guests to experience art, culture and cuisine from around the world. The American Experience is in the the center of the countries. A shuttle boat runs across World Showcase Lagoon from The American Experience back to the other side.
The second half of the park is divided into thirds: World Discovery, World Celebration and World Nature. World Nature includes the Land and the Sea. World Celebration is at the center and World Discovery is on the other side.
World Celebration
Spaceship Earth is the marquee attraction of EPCOT. The giant golf ball is a fun ride for all ages. The slow moving cars move on a journey through time and human civilization. It is also awe inspiring up close. Photos taken nearby are wonderful. World Celebration also includes Journey into Imagination with Figment and the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Journey into Imagination is a fun but dated experience where guests ride through a scientific expedition into Imagination. Even now, kids still fall in love with Figment. Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is absolutely wonderful. It is never as crowded as it should be. It earns a Dad‘s Pick. The attraction plays a Mickey and Minnie short, and then rotates a few Pixar shorts.
World Discovery
Attractions
There are 3 rides in World Discovery. Test Track is one of the best in all of Disney World. Guests are able to design and customize a ride vehicle on computers during part of the queue. Then when guests get on the ride, the simulation “tests” there vehicles. Now the customization doesn’t actually change the ride. But don’t tell my kids that. They love the whole experience and talking about how great their designs performed. Mission Space has 2 separate ride tracks. The original orange mission was too intense for too many people. Note there is a 44 inch minimum height for the orange mission. The green mission is less intense and requires only a 40 inch guest height. The green mission is really not too bad for people with motion sickness. However, the attraction does simulate astronaut training and both tracks can feel claustrophobic. The ride is interactive, and each member of the team has things to do during the ride. Guardians of the Galaxy is next generation advanced roller coaster for guests 42 inches and up. Needless to say this is a ride to wait for.
Dining
- Table Service
- Space 2020
World Nature
There are two pavilions within World Nature. They are the land and the sea. There are many attractions and dining options. The sea has a large aquarium inside that is highly underrated.
The Land
Living with the Land, Awesome Planet, and Soarin’ can be found in the Land. Awesome Planet is a fun, short video portraying images from around the world. Living with the Land is a dun and slow boat ride where guests can learn about farming and conservation. The ride tours a green house that is super interesting. Don’t skip out on this one. Soarin’ is awesome. It is like being placed into an IMAX movie. The ride simulates a flight through landmarks around the world.
Dining
- Table Service
- Garden Grill
- Quick Service
- Sunshine Seasons (Dad’s Pick)
The Sea
The Sea contains Turtle Talk with Crush, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and the aforementioned aquarium. Turtle Talk is just ok. The kids do enjoy it. The technology behind it is advanced. Crush talks to members of the crowd and tells stories and jokes. The seas with Nemo is a slow moving journey through the movie. It is colorful and brilliant. The aquarium is great. I will spend almost an hour letting the kids explore. There is a way to enter the aquarium to the left of the Nemo ride without having to go on the ride.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is a new walk through attraction that will certainly dazzle guests.
Dining
- Table Service
- Coral Reef
World Showcase
There are 11 Countries that make up World Showcase: Canada, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, American Adventure, Italy, Germany, China, Norway Mexico. The countries encircle World Showcase Lagoon. Each country features distinct architecture and culture. Remember, there are boats to transport guests across World Showcase Lagoon.
World Showcase is massive and immersive. It is unlike any other amusement park. It is relaxing and beautiful. It is overwhelming and wonderful. It is impossible to prepare for. There are some many things to see, shops to explore, and snacks to enjoy. And many of these things are changing and updating year after year. My advice is to resign your Disney Dad planning, and embrace a leisurely tour of the World Showcase. There is much more to see than just the main attractions and listed shows.
Attractions
There are 3 rides in World Showcase. Mexico contains Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three Caballeros. It is a relaxing boat ride that brings guests along a musical tour with Donald Duck. Frozen Ever After is found in Norway. This ride is another relaxing boat ride, but this time through Arendelle. Remy’s Ratatouille is in France. It transforms guests into rats as they help Remy in 4D adventure. The ride uses the same technology as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad and Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios. It is really fun and creative.
- Films, Art & Exhibits
- Canada
- Canada Far and Wide
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- France
- Impressions de France
- Morocco
- Gallery of Arts & History
- Japan
- Bijutsu-Kan Gallery
- The American Experience
- America Gardens Theatre
- The American Adventure
- American Heritage Gallery
- China
- Reflections of China
- House of Whispering Willows
- Norway
- Stave Church Gallery
- Mexico
- Mexico Folk Art Gallery
- Canada
Dining
- Canada
- Table Service
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- Table Service
- United Kingdom
- Quick Service
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
- Table Service
- Rose & Crown
- Quick Service
- France
- Quick Service
- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
- Table Service
- Chefs de France
- Quick Service
- Morocco
- Quick Service
- Oasis Sweets & Sips
- Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina
- Table Service
- Spice Road Table
- Quick Service
- Japan
- Quick Service
- Katsura Grill
- Kabuki Cafe
- Table Sevice
- Tokyo Dining
- Teppan Edo
- Quick Service
- The American Adventure
- Quick Service
- Fife & Drum
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
- Quick Service
- Italy
- Quick Service
- Gelateria Toscana
- Table Service
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
- Quick Service
- Germany
- Quick Service
- Sommerfest
- Karamell-Kuche
- Table Service
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Quick Service
- China
- Quick Service
- Lotus Blossom Cafe
- Table Service
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Quick Service
- Norway
- Quick Service
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
- Table Service
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Quick Service
- Mexico
- Quick Service
- La Cantina de San Angel
- Table Service
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- La Hacienda de San Angel (Dad’s Pick)
- Quick Service
