Epcot Center in Walt Disney World began as Walt’s dream for a futuristic community. Though it was originally intended to be a place where real people could live, after Walt’s death, the concept became more like the rest of the park, with rides, entertainment, dining, and other attractions for guests to visit. Epcot Center is actually bigger than the Magic Kingdom section of the park, but it is set up slightly differently. Epcot consists of two distinct “worlds:” Future World and the World Showcase. Future World is home to attractions like "The Seas With Nemo and Friends" and "The Land,” while the World Showcase is home to eleven different pavilions, each featuring a different country. All the cast members in the pavilions are from the country they work in, which makes the experience that much more unforgettable. No matter what section you're in, there is plenty to discover at Epcot Center!
1. Club Cool
This store is the perfect place to stop on a hot day. Not only do you get a break from the heat in the air conditioner, but you can also sample cold sodas from around the world. (My personal favorite is the one from Japan!) You can also purchase licensed Coca-Cola products and novelty items.
2. Character Meet-and-Greets
In Future World, you can meet iconic Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy, as well as characters from recent movies, such as Baymax from "Big Hero 6" or Joy and Sadness from "Inside Out." Meanwhile, in the World Showcase, you can meet characters that hail from those specific countries. You can find Mulan in China, Belle in France, Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco, Anna and Elsa in Norway, Snow White in Germany and Mary Poppins and Alice in the UK!
3. The Seas With Nemo and Friends
This enormous building holds many different experiences. In the "Finding Nemo" ride, guests board a “clamobile” and try to help Marlin and Dory find Nemo. On the last leg of the ride, you actually see Nemo and other characters from the movie swim with real fish! Another great attraction here is "Turtle Talk With Crush," a short show during which little ones can interact with everyone’s favorite turtle and ask him questions. It’s the perfect chance to take a seat and relax for a while, and I guarantee adults will enjoy it just as much as their kids! To top it all off, this building also houses a gargantuan aquarium, filled with all kinds of sea creatures to learn about. You can even take scuba lessons there!
4. Teppan Edo
This incredible restaurant can be found in the Japan pavilion. The best part of the experience is seeing your chef cook your food on the grill in front of you. It’s absolutely awe-inspiring to watch, and the food is simply outstanding. Definitely worth the splurge!
5. Innoventions
This interesting exhibit includes activities that incorporate science, math, and technology, like the "Sum of All Thrills" attraction, in which guests can design their own roller coaster and then experience it in the 4D simulator. You can also experience "Colortopia" and "StormStruck," which teaches about weather emergencies and what to do in event of a serious storm. It's educational, and entertaining!
6. KidCot Stations
At every pavilion in the World Showcase, there is a “KidCot” station where kids can color in different pictures. If you check in with your drawing at each of these stops, you’ll get a stamp and greeting from the cast member. You can also purchase a “passport” and stickers if you’d rather opt out of coloring. The cast members are happy to chat with you at these stations—it’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions about their country and culture.
7. Sergio
Sergio is a staple in the Italy Pavilion! This master juggler and mime performs outdoors in the pavilion throughout the day. He juggles multiple soccer balls, and even teaches some lucky kids a few tricks!
8. Test Track
This is another incredibly popular ride. Guests can either team up or go solo and design the best sports car. After you’ve submitted your design, you’re placed in a car that knows the schematics of the one you (and the other riders) designed. You go through a series of tests, including how your car holds up in nasty weather. It’s really interesting, and of course, you’ll have a blast!
9. Spaceship Earth
Located in the white geosphere that represents Epcot (you know, the giant golfball?), "Spaceship Earth" takes guests through the history of our world, and how we learned to communicate and energize. From hieroglyphs to the printing press, from Michelangelo to Edison, this ride is informative as well as entertaining. The last part of the ride involves the rider taking a quiz on how their preferences (whether they'd like to live in a city or near a beach, etc) and then shows a quick video on how that life might look years into the future. Will your house be made of recycled materials? Will you be growing your own food? You never know!
10. Mission: SPACE
Are you ready to take a trip to Mars? You can do exactly that at "Mission: SPACE!" After choosing between two levels of intensity (for first timers I recommend the Green Team--there's less spinning!) you and three other guests will be assigned positions as you board your vessel. Each one of you will have a specific job that is essential to the crew's safety. It's an out of this world experience!
11. Grand Fiesta Tour, Starring The Three Caballeros
This ride is amazing for so many reasons: not only is it a relaxing boat ride (similar to "It's A Small World" or "Pirates of the Caribbean"), it also reflects the culture of Mexico. You can sail along the Rio Grande, right past the San Angel Inn Restaurante; you can also discover Mayan ruins, and explore cities like Chichen Itza and Acapulco. Along the way, guests can help Panchito and José Carioca find Donald Duck — you never know where in Mexico he might be hiding!
12. Stave Church Gallery
Located in Norway, this cozy little building is home to a gallery of authentic artifacts and items from Norway. Your guide will take you around the room and and explain how Norwegian culture influenced the movie "Frozen." It's a hidden gem that can get lost in the rest of the "Frozen" mania, but it's very interesting and informative. It's also the perfect place to cool off or wait out a passing rain shower!
13. Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie
This authentic French bakery is the perfect place to get a quick bite to eat. If you have the time, you can enjoy a fresh baguette sandwich, or satisfy your sweet tooth with an eclair, macarons, or another delicious pastry. You will not be disappointed!
14. Listen To Music From Around The World
At various pavilions during the day, you can listen to different bands and artists covering songs native to the countries. In The United Kingdom, you can listen to the cover band British Revolution, while the American Adventure Pavilion hosts both the a capella group Voices of Liberty and the American Music Machine. The Mexico pavilion, has a mariachi band that performs traditional folk music from Jalisco, and in Japan, you can enjoy Taiko, a time-honored form of drumming. If you're interested, grab a Times Guide when you enter the park or at any souvenir kiosk to find out when each group performs!
15. Soarin'
16. IllumiNations
This nightly fireworks show is best viewed from the World Showcase. A globe floats around the lagoon as fireworks appear overhead, representing three stages in the history of our planet: “The Earth Is Born,” “The Triumph of Life,” and “Hope for the Future.” It’s a truly magical show, and the perfect way to end your day at Epcot Center.
