The Ultimate Guide to EPCOT at Walt Disney World
Welcome to EPCOT – Whether you’re here for the food, the futuristic thrills, or the festivals, this park has something for everyone. It’s a perfect blend of innovation and imagination, with a healthy side of snacks and fireworks.
Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the magic of EPCOT — from must-do rides and best food spots to tips for navigating festivals, shows, and more!
🎢 Must-Do Rides at EPCOT
EPCOT is packed with unique attractions — from storytelling boat rides to thrilling coasters. Here are the rides you’ll want to prioritize:
🌍 World Discovery & World Nature
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Hands down one of the best thrill rides at Disney. It’s smooth, fast, and totally fun! (Note: Uses Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane.)
- Soarin’ Around the World – A beautiful, gentle “flight” around iconic landmarks.
- Test Track – Build your own vehicle, then take it for a spin on one of the fastest rides in Disney World.
- Mission: SPACE – Choose your adventure: a thrilling Mars mission or a gentle orbit.
- Living with the Land – A slow-moving boat ride that’s surprisingly fascinating and peaceful.
🌸 World Showcase Favorites
- Frozen Ever After (Norway) – A must for Frozen fans with beautiful effects and catchy songs.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France) – Shrink down to the size of a rat and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen. Family-friendly and adorable!
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (Mexico) – A charming boat ride with Donald Duck and friends, often with short wait times!
👶 Tip for Families: EPCOT is more stroller-friendly than Magic Kingdom, and with wide paths and plenty of shade, it’s great for little ones.
💡 Travel Agent Tip: Genie+ at EPCOT isn’t a must-have, but if you do purchase it, prioritize Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, and Soarin’.
🍽️ Best Food at EPCOT
Let’s be honest — a lot of us go to EPCOT to eat. With amazing options in both the World Showcase and around the park, here are my can’t-miss bites:
Must-Try Eats:
- School Bread (Norway Pavilion) – A creamy, coconut-y treat that fans LOVE.
- Tacos de Barbacoa (Mexico) – Savory and flavorful street-style tacos.
- Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich (France) – Sweet, photo-ready, and perfect on a hot day.
- Fish & Chips (UK Pavilion) – Classic and crave-worthy.
Dining Reservations to Book Early:
- Space 220 – Dine in orbit with stellar views.
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) – Cozy, upscale steakhouse with rave reviews.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Princess dining without the Castle chaos.
💡 Travel Agent Tip: Dining reservations open 60 days in advance. If you want Space 220 or Akershus, book early!
🎉 EPCOT Festivals: Four Seasonal Festivals
There’s always something extra happening at EPCOT:
- Festival of the Arts (Jan–Feb) – Where food meets creativity with edible masterpieces and art exhibits.
- Flower & Garden Festival (Mar–July) – Stunning topiaries, garden displays, and fresh spring bites.
- Food & Wine Festival (Late Aug–Nov) – A foodie’s paradise with global marketplaces and wine pairings.
- Festival of the Holidays (Nov–Dec) – Holiday kitchens, storytellers, and festive traditions from around the world.
📓 Don’t forget to grab a Festival Passport at the entrance! It’s the best way to track what you’ve tried.
🎆 Tips for Shows & Fireworks
EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular is a can’t-miss moment to end your day with magic.
🌟 Current Show: Luminous: The Symphony of Us
This emotional fireworks display features fountains, lights, and an incredible score. It’s all about connection and storytelling — and it’s the perfect way to end your EPCOT day.
📍 Best Viewing Spots:
- Italy Pavilion bridge – One of the best spots with wide, unobstructed views.
- Japan Pavilion steps – Elevated, peaceful, scenic, and great for photos!
- Front of World Showcase Plaza – Balanced view of projections and fireworks.
👀 Insider Tip: Arrive 45 minutes early to snag the best spots (grab a snack or drink to enjoy while you wait!).
🧭 EPCOT Touring Tips
- Use Lightning Lane wisely: Prioritize rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After.
- Plan your World Showcase walk: Start in Mexico if you want drinks and food earlier, or in Canada if you want to save your appetite for later.
- Pack a refillable water bottle – There are fountains and refill stations throughout the park.
- Don’t skip Spaceship Earth! – It’s the iconic EPCOT ball and a relaxing, classic Disney attraction.
- EPCOT opens later than Magic Kingdom but stays open later, too. Take your time!
✨ Start Planning Your Magical EPCOT Day
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, EPCOT offers new discoveries every time. From thrilling coasters to cultural bites and global festivals, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
🌐 Need help planning your dream Disney vacation? I’m here to help you book the perfect EPCOT day — from Lightning Lanes to lunch reservations!