Epcot — Attraction in Bay Lake

Come to Disney to see The Magic Kingdom; return for Epcot. Let the haters hate - Epcot is the greatest theme park ever made. Was it better 10 years ago? Absolutely... the soundtrack, the fiber optic sidewalks, the fountain of nations, Illuminations... that's all history now. Are half of the rides based on IP? Sure but not 100% like Hollywood Studios (and every Universal Park). Are there scooters and drinkers? Yeah, maybe try living and let live... they're on vacation too. Do you need to plan far in advance to have fun? No. You will not do everything and it won't matter.

Epcot was the result of two different park designs. One day Imagineers decided to push their models together. That's exactly what it feels like.

You can spend a day enjoying just future world... or whatever they're calling future world these days. You can ride a ride throughout a 180 foot sphere. You can eat fish while watching fish at the bottom of the second largest aquarium in the US and ride through it with Nemo afterwards. You can Soar, you can (not right this moment) test tracks, you can guard the galaxy. You can ride a real centrifuge in a simulated mission to mars. You can vomit real vomit... You can grab a drink in a space station on top of a space elevator. You can journey into imagination and control water. You can take a boat ride through a greenhouse. That's all in the smaller side of the park.

Then walk out to the back of the park to the World Showcase. The architecture, culture, and food from 11 countries (and the continent of Africa) are represented in pavilions circling around a lake. At first glance, the scale looks massive. Then you start exploring; you realize you were only seeing the fronts of these pavilions. You can walk the streets of Paris, shop the shops of Japan, Slip through a castle and come out in Hyde park... maybe Mary Poppins, Pooh, or Alice will stroll by. Find a museum with artifacts from Japan... wait, 7 of these pavilions have museums? Eat riverside during an outdoor fiesta inside of a Tardis-like Mayan pyramid while watching a boat ride go by in front of another pyramid.

And yeah, it's all themed. A bunch of adults looking for escapism, right? Sure, just like movies, tv, the internet, Irish Pubs, Italian Restaurants, beer gardens, Mc Cafes, Harry Potter Books, Cheesecake Factory architecture...

Epcot cast members are usually visiting citizens of the country the pavilion is representing. Where else can you shop for an authentic Norwegian troll assisted by a Norwegian cashier. I mean... Norway probably, but few other places. Morocco sent the best artisans to Epcot to build and tile the entire Moroccan pavilion, is that considered escapism? French bakers bake baguettes in the France pavilion, but the flour is probably from the US... is it French bread American bread or cosplay bread? What of the toro gifted by Emperor Hirohito that sits in the Japan Pavilion? Is that all Micky Mouse, too?

Haters will hate when you tell them of your adventures in Epcot.

You will not see everything in Epcot in 2 days or 2 months, but everything you do see will be on a scale never done before or since, and that will never be duplicated elsewhere.

Worried about the Frozen ride being a bit cheesy or the ratatouille ride being screen based? So what? Who has time to ride rides all day at Epcot? Spaceship Earth, Guardians, Soarin, Test Track, and Living with the Land are must do's. Half of those don't usually have lines longer than 10 minutes. Every other ride in the park, and there are a lot, every circle motion cinema, every show... you can do this all spontaneously. Well not Frozen... lines crazy for what it is (if it's a must do for you, the line usually has the cold AC).

Make dining reservations if you have a spot in mind. If not, a few of the 17 table service restaurants (or 6 more on the boardwalk) will have some availability.

When the day ends and you've walked 12 miles, hang out for whatever fireworks show is happening. It won't be as good as Illuminations was, but it will still have 1.2 miles of front...

We where in Epcot during the Food and wine festival with flowers all over...

EPCOT is a one-of-a-kind Disney experience, offering futuristic attractions, cultural immersion, and world-class dining. The park is divided into World Showcase and Future World (currently undergoing a transformation into World Celebration, Nature, and Discovery). The combination of rides, shows, and dining makes it ideal for both thrill-seekers and those looking to explore global cultures.

Ride Overview

Spaceship Earth: Located in the iconic geodesic sphere, this slow-moving ride explores the history of communication. Wait times average 15–30 minutes, making it a great first or last stop. Test Track: (will be going away soon) Create and test your car design, culminating in a thrilling speed run. Lines can exceed 60–90 minutes, so early arrival or Lightning Lane is advised. Soarin’ Around the World: A simulated hang-gliding adventure over stunning global vistas. Morning wait times are typically 30–45 minutes, but peak times can reach 75 minutes. Mission: SPACE: Choose between Green (mild) and Orange (intense) missions for a space flight simulation. Average waits range from 15–40 minutes depending on the intensity. Frozen Ever After: A boat ride through Arendelle. This family favorite often has waits of 60–90 minutes, especially midday. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: A 4D journey through a bustling kitchen, with 60+ minute waits standard. Best ridden early or with Lightning Lane. Living with the Land: A relaxing boat ride showcasing sustainable agriculture, with short waits averaging 10–20 minutes. The Seas with Nemo & Friends: A family-friendly ride that ends with an aquarium experience. Waits are usually under 30 minutes.

Best Days and Times to Visit

Best Days: Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays, typically see lighter crowds. Avoid weekends and festival kickoff dates. Best Times: Arrive at park opening (9:00 AM) to enjoy shorter waits for Test Track, Frozen Ever After, and Soarin’. Evenings are ideal for exploring World Showcase with shorter waits for cultural pavilions and dining.

Pros: Wide variety of attractions for all ages, from thrilling rides to cultural experiences. Excellent food and drink options, especially during seasonal festivals like the Food & Wine Festival. Beautiful nighttime fireworks and light shows, like EPCOT Forever. Opportunities to learn and explore through interactive exhibits and pavilions.

Cons: High wait times for marquee attractions like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Extensive walking distances between areas. Construction in Future World can impact the overall atmosphere.

EPCOT is a place where technology meets imagination, and culture comes alive. It’s best enjoyed with a plan to beat the crowds and make the most of its...

Epcot Review: A Day of Amazing Food, Thrilling Rides, and Immersive Experiences

Epcot has always been known for its blend of culture, innovation, and incredible dining, but after this visit, it truly cemented itself as one of our favorite Disney parks. From unforgettable meals to thrilling rides, our experience was a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

Rides & Attractions

We started with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and it felt like stepping into the heart of Paris. The ride’s immersive 4D effects, playful movement, and detailed environments made it feel like we were inside the movie—it was almost like being at Warner Bros. Studios! But the real highlight? Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. We both agreed—this is hands down our new favorite ride across all Disney parks. The combination of smooth, exhilarating motion, great storytelling, and a killer soundtrack made it an absolute must-ride.

We also rode Soarin’ Around the World, but unfortunately, our experience wasn’t as enjoyable as we’d hoped. Sitting on the edge of the row distorted the view, making the images look curved, and it triggered a bit of motion sickness, which took away from the overall experience. It’s definitely a ride worth doing, but next time, we’ll try to get a seat closer to the center.

For a more relaxing break, we took the Living with the Land boat tour, which was a nice way to slow down and appreciate Disney’s focus on sustainability and agriculture.

Food & Dining

Epcot’s food scene absolutely lived up to the hype. We had an unforgettable meal at the France Pavilion, and everything from start to finish was incredible. I had the chicken escargot and crème brûlée, while my partner had the beef and a salmon spread appetizer. The bread service with salted butter was simple yet perfect, and we paired everything with a Chardonnay that complemented the flavors beautifully.

Beyond France, we also tried some festival food, including a spicy soup and empanadas from one of the stands. The combination of bold flavors and different cultural influences made for such a fun culinary adventure.

Overall Atmosphere & Presentation

Epcot does such a great job of transporting you around the world and beyond. The World Showcase feels so immersive, and the futuristic elements of the park bring a nice contrast. Whether we were soaring through space with the Guardians, strolling through the pavilions, or taking in all the small details, there was always something to appreciate.

Final Thoughts

This visit solidified Epcot as one of our favorite Disney parks. The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was an absolute game-changer, the food was top-tier, and the overall atmosphere made for an incredible day. While Soarin’ wasn’t as enjoyable this time around, everything else made up for it. Epcot continues to be a place where adventure, culture, and fun come together in the best...