EPCOT, Orlando - shape, polygon
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EPCOT

4.7
·156k reviews·Bay Lake, United States

Explore the future and the world's cultures at EPCOT, a Disney park famed for its iconic geodesic sphere and diverse pavilions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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EPCOT, Orlando - shape, polygon

EPCOT

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the future and the world's cultures at EPCOT, a Disney park famed for its iconic geodesic sphere and diverse pavilions.

4.7
(156k reviews)

"EPCOT offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and a global culinary adventure through its World Showcase."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Secure Guardians VQ Early

Join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy at exactly 7 AM. Use cellular data if Disney WiFi is spotty.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

EPCOT is massive! You'll be doing a lot of walking around World Showcase and Future World.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

World Discovery

An exhilarating, reverse-launch coaster with 360-degree rotation and an epic soundtrack. A must-do!

World Showcase Pavilions

World Showcase Pavilions

World Showcase

Explore 11 distinct countries, each offering unique architecture, food, drinks, and entertainment. A true cultural journey.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After

Norway Pavilion, World Showcase

Journey to Arendelle on this charming boat ride, meeting beloved characters like Elsa and Olaf.

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth

World Celebration

An iconic geodesic sphere housing a journey through the history of communication.

Planning Your Visit

Mastering EPCOT's Vastness

EPCOT is huge! Prioritize your must-dos, especially popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and Frozen Ever After, which often require virtual queues or Genie+ selections early in the day. Don't forget World Showcase opens later, so plan your morning accordingly. Reddit+1

Snacking & Sipping Strategy

EPCOT's 'Drink and Eat Around the World' is a highlight, but can be costly. Plan your budget and consider sharing items. Many TikToks showcase must-try snacks and drinks from each pavilion. TikTok+3

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings during festivals
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Early entry with breakfast reservation
Why
Empty park photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My MUST RIDE attractions at #Epcot 🌐 or else my trip feels incomplete! #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyattractions #disneyvacation #disneytok #distok #disneyfamily
@d3r3kmatt
221.1K likes • 3.2M views

🎯 Secure Guardians VQ Early

Join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy at exactly 7 AM. Use cellular data if Disney WiFi is spotty. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

EPCOT is massive! You'll be doing a lot of walking around World Showcase and Future World. Reddit

Hot tip for your Disney Trip from a Disney Cast Member #waltdisneyworld #disneyresorts #disneyfunfacts #disneytip #disneytipsandtricks #disneycastmember
@leesolife
202.7K likes • 1.6M views
I think this is my best ever hidden Disney pins haul yet 🤭 #waltdisneyworldresort #epcotcenter #hiddendisney #disneypin #disneypins
kelsindisney
55 likes • 2K views

💧 Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated! Free water refill stations are available throughout the park. TikTok

🗺️ Download the Disney App

Essential for checking wait times, mobile ordering food, and managing Genie+ selections. Reddit

Your ultimate EPCOT food guide! Here's how to snack around the world at EPCOT with the best food from each pavilion #epcotfood #epcot #drinkaroundtheworld #disneyworldtips
@julietandbeyond
185.9K likes • 2.9M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Secure Guardians VQ Early

Join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy at exactly 7 AM. Use cellular data if Disney WiFi is spotty. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

EPCOT is massive! You'll be doing a lot of walking around World Showcase and Future World. Reddit

💧 Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated! Free water refill stations are available throughout the park. TikTok

🗺️ Download the Disney App

Essential for checking wait times, mobile ordering food, and managing Genie+ selections. Reddit

🍽️ Snack Smart in World Showcase

Share snacks and drinks to save money and try more options. Consider it a progressive meal! TikTok+2

🤫 Discover Hidden Gems

Look for air-conditioned spots like the Cantina in Mexico for a break with a view. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(156k reviews)

Reviews Summary

EPCOT is celebrated for its immersive World Showcase, offering a global culinary and cultural journey. Guests rave about the thrilling rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and the unique atmosphere. However, the park's vast size can be overwhelming, and popular attractions often have long wait times, necessitating strategic planning with Genie+ or virtual queues.

"Epcot gave us another great day of fun for the whole family, though it definitely came with its challenges. Visiting at the end of June meant dealing with the Florida heat, and with kids in tow it sometimes felt like we were constantly walking from one air-conditioned spot to the next just to cool off. Shade is definitely limited, so anyone visiting during the summer should be prepared for that.

Even with the heat, we had a fantastic time exploring. Our 8-year-old absolutely loved the Japan pavilion, which ended up being her highlight of the entire day. As a huge Pokémon fan, she couldn’t get enough of the Japanese market and spent a long time looking through all the merchandise. For her, it was pure magic.

I was still less than two weeks post-op from collarbone surgery, so I had to skip Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but my wife rode it and said it was hands-down the best ride of the entire trip. She even joked that the two of us need to come back without the kids so we can do Guardians together and spend more time exploring the “adult side” of Epcot.

Our 18-month-old loved the aquarium and could have happily stayed there all day watching the fish. It was a perfect break from the heat for him and one of the moments he enjoyed most.

Of course, no Epcot day would be complete without food, and it goes without saying that everything we tried was delicious. Overall, even with the hot weather, Epcot gave us a full day of unique experiences and something for every age in our family."

Collin Wheeler

"EPCOT just keeps getting better, and our recent visit was nothing short of amazing! One of the biggest highlights was discovering GEO-82—a brand-new gem with out-of-this-world drinks and super tasty munchies. The vibe was futuristic yet cozy, and every cocktail we tried was creative, refreshing, and picture-worthy. Perfect spot to relax and recharge before more adventures in the park.

Of course, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind blew us away. It’s hands down one of the best rides Disney has ever created—smooth, thrilling, and full of surprises. The music, the storytelling, the motion… it’s an epic experience from start to finish!

And you can't go to EPCOT without taking part in the iconic Drinks Around the World! From margaritas in Mexico to sake in Japan and champagne in France, every country offers something unique and delicious. It’s such a fun way to explore the World Showcase and soak in all the different cultures (and flavors!).

EPCOT truly delivered on fun, flavor, and futuristic flair. Can’t wait to go back!"

Mary Johnson

"As an adult, this would be my favorite park. So many different countries/cultures to explore in here. Mission Space is also the most intense ride I have ever been on. Feel like an astronaut in training! The variety of food is unmatched here. Picture perfect here. Thank you for the memories!"

Colin Leung

What People Like

World Showcase exploration
Unique food and drinks
Thrilling rides like Guardians

What People Dislike

Vast size and walking
Long ride queues
Cost of food/drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

EPCOT is accessible via Disney buses from various resorts. If staying at a Skyliner resort, you can take the Skyliner directly to the International Gateway entrance. Uber/Lyft can drop you at the main entrance. Staying at the Swan and Dolphin resorts offers convenient access. Reddit+1

Yes, EPCOT offers extensive parking lots. Standard parking fees apply, and preferred parking is available for an additional cost. Consider the distance to the park entrance when choosing your spot. Reddit

Yes, the Disney Skyliner provides direct access to EPCOT's International Gateway entrance, connecting several resorts. This is a popular and scenic way to arrive. Reddit

The main entrance is ideal for accessing World Discovery and World Celebration. The International Gateway, located between the UK and France pavilions, is perfect for starting in World Showcase and accessing Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Reddit+1

Travel times vary greatly depending on your resort and mode of transport. Buses can take 20-40 minutes, while the Skyliner is generally quicker for connected resorts. Always factor in potential wait times for transportation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

EPCOT ticket prices vary based on the date and number of days. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Look for multi-day passes if you plan to visit other Disney parks. TikTok

Yes, in addition to a valid ticket, you must make a park reservation for EPCOT for the specific date you plan to visit. Reservations can fill up, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to book return times for Lightning Lane entrances at many attractions. For EPCOT, popular selections include Frozen Ever After and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Reddit+2

A virtual queue (VQ) is required for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. You can join at 7 AM or 1 PM daily via the My Disney Experience app. It's free but highly sought after. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is also available for individual Lightning Lane purchase, which guarantees a specific return time. This is separate from Genie+. Reddit+1

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

Top rides include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Test Track, Soarin' Around the World, and Spaceship Earth. TikTokReddit+2

Explore the World Showcase pavilions, enjoy live entertainment, visit Club Cool for free soda samples, experience the aquariums in The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and walk through Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. TikTokReddit

Yes, EPCOT is very family-friendly with numerous playgrounds and play areas. The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Journey of Water are particularly engaging for younger children. TikTok

EPCOT hosts several popular festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays. These feature unique food, drinks, entertainment, and merchandise. Reddit+2

Absolutely! You can get free ice water at any quick-service dining location. Bringing a refillable water bottle is also highly recommended. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

It's a popular activity where guests sample alcoholic beverages from each of the 11 World Showcase pavilions. Pace yourself and consider sharing drinks! TikTokReddit+3

Popular choices include the School Bread in Norway, Zeppoles in Italy, Nachos and Cheese Empanadas in Mexico, and various festival offerings. Check out TikTok for specific recommendations! TikTok+1

EPCOT offers a wide range of dining, from quick-service kiosks to upscale table-service restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended for table-service. Reddit

During festivals like Food & Wine, many guests opt to eat at the various food booths rather than making table-service reservations, as it allows for more variety. Reddit+1

Beyond the World Showcase, try Club Cool for free soda samples from around the globe. Many pavilions also offer unique non-alcoholic options. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic spots include Spaceship Earth, the World Showcase pavilions (especially during golden hour), the gardens during the Flower & Garden Festival, and the entrance to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. TikTok

Yes, booking an early breakfast reservation allows you to enter the park before official opening, offering a chance for photos in a less crowded park. TikTok

Explore the details within each pavilion, like the shops in Japan or the quiet corners of Morocco, for unique and less crowded photo backdrops. Reddit

The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful lighting for the pavilions. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. TikTok

Spaceship Earth itself is a prime photo opportunity, and exploring the exhibits within can also yield interesting visual elements. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

EPCOT is more kid-friendly than you might think! Beyond the playgrounds, The Seas with Nemo & Friends offers an incredible aquarium experience. TikTok The Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a fun, interactive walkthrough that kids adore. Reddit For rides, Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth are gentle options. Reddit Consider an early breakfast reservation to get into the park before the crowds for better photo opportunities and a less overwhelming start. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

To save money, focus on free water refills and consider sharing snacks and drinks in World Showcase rather than buying individual items. TikTok+1 Look for free entertainment like the Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure or the soda samples at Club Cool. TikTokReddit While Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes can add up, prioritize them for your absolute must-do rides to avoid long waits. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Adults

EPCOT truly shines for adults with its World Showcase experience. Embark on the 'Drink Around the World' adventure, sampling unique beverages from each country. TikTok+2 Explore the diverse culinary offerings, from festival booths to fine dining. Reddit+1 Don't miss the thrill of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the charm of Frozen Ever After. TikTok+1 Consider an evening visit to enjoy the park's ambiance and potential fireworks shows. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers

If you only have one day, prioritize your must-do rides like Guardians of the Galaxy (secure VQ early!) and Frozen Ever After. TikTokReddit Focus on experiencing a few World Showcase pavilions deeply rather than rushing through all of them. Reddit Utilize Genie+ strategically to minimize wait times. Reddit Consider a late flight to maximize your park time, but be mindful of shuttle schedules. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating EPCOT's Rides

EPCOT boasts a mix of thrilling and family-friendly attractions. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a standout, requiring a virtual queue or individual Lightning Lane purchase due to its immense popularity. TikTok+2 Frozen Ever After in Norway and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in France are also highly sought-after, often necessitating Genie+ selections early in the day. Reddit+1 For a more relaxed pace, consider Soarin' Around the World and the classic Spaceship Earth, which offer immersive experiences without extreme thrills. Reddit+1

When planning your ride strategy, remember that World Showcase typically opens later than the front of the park. Reddit This means you can often tackle rides in World Discovery and World Nature first. Utilizing the My Disney Experience app is crucial for managing Genie+ selections and checking wait times. Reddit Some Redditors suggest prioritizing rides like Remy or Frozen for Genie+ and using the virtual queue for Guardians, while others recommend purchasing individual Lightning Lanes for the most popular attractions to maximize your time. Reddit+1

For those prone to motion sickness, be aware that rides like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Mission: SPACE (especially the Orange version) can be intense. Reddit Conversely, Living with the Land offers a gentle, educational boat tour, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends provides a calm journey with an impressive aquarium. Reddit

The Culinary Journey of World Showcase

EPCOT's World Showcase is a gastronomic adventure, offering a taste of 11 different countries. The 'Drink and Eat Around the World' challenge is a popular pastime for adults, encouraging guests to sample unique beverages and snacks from each pavilion. TikTok+3 TikTok creators often highlight specific must-try items, from the La Fin Du Monde beer in Canada to the Zeppoles in Italy and the margaritas in Mexico. TikTok+2 Many Redditors advise that during festivals like the Food & Wine Festival, focusing on the food booths is a more flexible and varied dining approach than booking table-service restaurants. Reddit+1

Beyond the alcoholic offerings, each pavilion boasts distinct culinary specialties. For instance, the Mexico pavilion offers delicious nachos and cheese empanadas, which are great for sharing and serve as a good base if you're indulging in drinks. TikTok The UK pavilion is known for its traditional pub fare, while France offers exquisite pastries and coffee at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. Reddit Even if you're not participating in the 'drinking around the world' aspect, exploring the diverse food options is a highlight of any EPCOT visit. Reddit

For those seeking a more relaxed dining experience, EPCOT offers a range of table-service restaurants, though reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Reddit If you're looking for a unique, free tasting experience, don't miss Club Cool in World Discovery, where you can sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the globe. TikTok

EPCOT for Families and Kids

EPCOT is surprisingly family-friendly, offering more playgrounds and play areas than many realize. TikTok The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a major draw, featuring a large aquarium with diverse marine life, making it an educational and engaging experience for children. TikTok The Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana walkthrough attraction is also a hit, with interactive elements that kids will love, and it provides a nice way to cool down. Reddit

While some rides like Guardians of the Galaxy might be too intense for very young children, there are plenty of gentler options. Living with the Land offers a calm boat ride through greenhouses, and Spaceship Earth provides a slow-moving journey through history. Reddit The World Showcase, while often associated with adult beverages, also offers cultural experiences that can be fascinating for children, such as watching live performances or exploring the unique shops. Reddit

For parents looking to maximize their time and minimize meltdowns, consider utilizing the park's early entry options, perhaps with a breakfast reservation, to experience popular areas before the main crowds arrive. TikTok Bringing a refillable water bottle is also a practical tip for keeping kids (and adults) hydrated throughout the day. TikTok

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