Ultimate Guide to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort
As a kid, I remember dreading the day we were going to visit EPCOT during our Disney World vacation. There weren’t any characters or “Disney-ish” rides. It was all just a bunch of tech stuff. Luckily, none of that is true anymore! In fact, EPCOT is my family’s (including my 3 young boys) favorite park! EPCOT offers a unique blend of science, technology, and global cultures that’s sure to be a hit with everyone in your party. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top EPCOT attractions, dining options, and entertainment for you and your kids to enjoy.
Overview
EPCOT, a Disney World theme park, is all about innovation, with Future World showcasing the latest in tech and World Showcase offering a chance to explore global cultures. The park was originally conceived as an “experimental prototype community of tomorrow” where visitors could get a glimpse of the latest in science and technology. While this still holds true, Imagineers have done a great job at incorporating more Disney fan favorites to make this park extremely well-rounded.
Popular Attractions for Younger Kids
If I had a nickel for every time a client asked me if they should skip EPCOT because they have young kids I wouldn’t have to work anymore! The fact of the matter is, EPCOT offers plenty of attractions that are perfect for younger kids. The Seas with Nemo & Friends lets kids meet real-life sea creatures and their favorite Pixar pals (say hi to Crush for me!), while Journey into Imagination with Figment is a loud and colorful experience perfect for any toddler. The Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-Long in France is a newer addition that is very popular and the Gran Fiesta Tour in the Mexico pavilion is a classic experience you won’t want to miss. For me, the can’t-miss rides for younger guests are Frozen Ever After, the epic boat ride through Norway, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the new 4D culinary ride experience in France! None of the attractions mentioned above have a height requirement so you can rest assured that every little one is welcome!
Popular Attractions for Thrill Seekers
If you’re looking for more adrenaline in your trip, don’t worry, EPCOT has got you covered there too! Attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’, and Mission:Space will leave you breathless and asking for more! Got a car loving kid? Don’t miss Test Track where you can build your own ride vehicle and then test it’s performance with speeds up to 65mph. I promise, EPCOT will meet your adventurous expectations if that’s the kind of trip you’re looking for! Check out this post if you want to learn about other thrilling rides at Disney World.
Dining Options
EPCOT is a foodie’s paradise! For a quick bite, you can’t go wrong with the plethora of food kiosks you will find around the park (especially in the World Showcase). For a sit-down meal, indulge in a delicious steak dinner at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada, a giant warm and gooey pizza at Via Napoli in Italy, or enjoy some delicious sushi at Teppan Edo in Japan. Satisfy your snack cravings with churros in Mexico, crepes in France, or traditional Norwegian school bread at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.
Entertainment and Shows
EPCOT has tons of fun and interactive shows and entertainment options. Little ones will love getting down with the “JAMMitors” and parents will appreciate the live music and cultural demonstrations that happen all around the World Showcase. Also, make sure you don’t miss EPCOT Forever, the nightly fireworks show. My kids also love all the scavenger hunts the park provides throughout the year. Check out which one is available at Port of Entry or the Disney Traders shop, complete the activity, and return it to get a prize!
Character Meet-and-Greets
EPCOT actually offers a ton of opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters, including a lot of different princesses. You can meet Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” in Norway, say hi to Snow White in Germany, see Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom pavilion, and many more! Check the My Disney Experience app for character locations and schedules.
Special Events and Holidays
EPCOT hosts many cool events and celebrations throughout the year, including the International Festival of the Arts, the International Food & Wine Festival, and the International Flower & Garden Festival. These events are a great way to experience EPCOT’s diverse culture and try out unique food and drinks from the numerous festival kiosks. You can also find fun celebrations during Easter and Christmas.
As you can see, EPCOT has turned into a pretty cool and diverse park. It has chill rides for littles and thrill rides for bigger kids, it has food and drinks for the entire family, and characters that everyone will want to see. Don’t miss out on one of the awesome festivals during your next trip. If you want help planning, shoot me an email!