Ready for the top things to do at Epcot? Well, so are we, so let’s get to it…! We’ve already featured our Top 10s for each of the Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios, so that must mean it’s time for another exercise in what to look out for when you walk through the gates of the third of Orlando’s main attractions.
The second of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, Epcot opened in 1982 with a drastically different formula to the Magic Kingdom, with more emphasis on the world around us and a semi-educational message that still resonates today. It also set new standards for theme park food with its international pavilions, hence the attractions of the park are culinary as well as just rides and shows. The shopping isn’t bad, either.
Originally in two sections – Future World and World Showcase – it is now split into four, still with the world expo style of the latter but now the front section of the park consisting of World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature.
It’s a big park, too, covering some 305 acres, and that can be quite tiring, hence you want to make sure of what you want to see to fully maximise your day here. And that’s where our Top 10 comes in. If you cover all of these, you can safely say you have “done” Epcot.
10. Jammitors
Live entertainment is a big part of the Epcot scene, and this lively group of trash-can percussion exponents are both inventive and pure fun. They can usually be found in the recently-completed World Celebration area, serving up their wacky syncopated sounds up to six times a day in 10-15-minute sessions. If you see them wheeling their odd array of instruments into place, be sure to stop and enjoy the music and amusing banter.
9. Frozen Ever After
Even if you’re not a fan of the Disney film Frozen, you should definitely make time for this lovely boat ride through the kingdom of Arendelle. It features superb audio-animatronics highlighting the main characters, as well as an encounter with the loveable trolls. There is a short backwards drop in the Viking longboats, but that isn’t usually too scary for young ’uns, and it is fun for all the family in this mock snowy environment.
8. Living With the Land
A true classic, this has been a quietly innovative part of The Land pavilion in World Nature since the park’s opening. An educational as well as scenic journey, it is slow paced but still compelling as it takes guests into the world of agriculture and ecology, with a lot of valuable insight into food production and how science is helping the battle against malnutrition and crop failure. It is way more interesting than it sounds and children usually get a lot out of it.
7. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Head for this pavilion and enjoy a journey with the characters from the Finding Nemo films as the centrepiece of a slow but enjoyable trundle alongside the huge main aquarium. The vehicles are over-sized clam shells and the characters are inventively projected inside the aquarium’s waters to give the impression they are swimming with the real fishes. Once inside the pavilion, look for the interactive Turtle Talk with Crush show for more fun with this loveable character.
6. France Pavilion
All the international pavilions of World Showcase are well worth visiting but, if you’re short of time, focus on France, where not only does it boast the lovely film show Impressions de France and the riotous fun of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – a 3-D trackless dark ride – but also some of the best food in the whole of Disney’s Orlando world. From fine dining and delicious crepes to authentic pastries and artisanal ice cream, this is a gastronomic experience par excellence.
5. The American Adventure
You should definitely also make time for the headline pavilion in World Showcase, highlighting the history and spirit of the USA in the shape of an elaborate film and stage show inside the main building. And, when there is one of Epcot’s signature festivals in progress (which is most of the year these days!), head for the America Gardens Theatre for the free concert series that goes with it, as these are usually first class and all part of the admission fee. Look out also for acapella group Voices of Liberty for another musical treat.
4. Luminous: The Symphony of Us
Epcot is rightly renowned for its evening entertainment finale and the current offering is the mind-boggling Luminous, a fireworks and special effects extravaganza held nightly over the World Showcase lagoon. This 20-minute performance showcases Disney songs and all-new music set to a dazzling array of pyrotechnics, lasers, fountains and lights with a heart-warming message of inclusivity.
3. Spaceship Earth
If there is one ride that is the park’s signature adventure, it is this one, spiralling up through the giant ‘golf ball” that is Epcot’s primary icon. The 15-minute ride tells the story of human communication in a compelling series of animatronic tableaux that culminate in a future scene that invites rider interaction. While it was also one of Epcot’s original rides, it has been updated three times so far, in 1986, 1994 and 2007.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
1. Soarin’ Around the World
We rate this ride slightly higher than Guardians simply because it is something everyone can do. Provided you meet the minimum height requirement (just 40ins or 101cm), Soarin’ is a guaranteed thrill without scaring anyone, a simulated hang-glider ride over some of the world’s most scenic highlights with just enough movement to feel convincing and a few special effects besides. We also always come out with a smile on our faces after this ride – and that’s the ultimate test of any attraction!
NB: The fab Test Track ride is currently closed for a major refurbishment, with no re-opening date as yet. Once it returns in 2025, we’d expect it to be in our top five.
What are YOUR favourite attractions at EPCOT? Tell us about them on the friendly AttractionTickets.com Community Facebook page, on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
