A Beginner's Guide to EPCOT
Epcot is usually thought of as the more “grown-up” park. It’s set up in two different main sections. The front part of the park has a very futuristic feel and is undergoing lots of changes. The back half features a walk around the world. You can walk around the large lagoon and experience food and culture from lots of different countries. Epcot is famous for its festivals, so be sure to check if any are happening during your visit.
World Celebration, World Nature + World Discovery (formerly Future World)
This area of EPCOT is at the front of the park and is undergoing a bit of a transition. You’ll notice a lot of construction going on, but don’t let that deter you- there is lots still open and ready to explore.
Living With the Land: This is a slow-moving boat ride through working greenhouses that actually supply a lot of food for the park. They showcase innovative growing techniques and the history of farming, and it’s all so fascinating!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: This is Cash and I’s FAVORITE ride, hands down. It is pretty fast, the cart moves from side to side, there is fun music and giant screens, and you really need to experience it for yourself. It is pretty intense but doesn’t have any major drops. Cash loves it, for example, but he won’t ride Expedition Everest or even Splash Mountain because of their drops. It’s kind of like Space Mountain, only with a lot more going on.
Soarin' Around the World: One of Epcot’s most popular rides, Soarin’ is a motion simulator that flies you across really breathtaking views from around the world. The screen is huge, and the vehicle moves along with the camera to make you feel like you’re really flying.
Test Track: This ride is really interesting because it is kind of like a roller coaster, but instead, you’re in a race car, flying at super-fast speeds along a race track. I’m not exaggerating when I say it goes fast, but there are no real drops or loops due to the fact that it’s made to feel like you’re in a car race. After the ride, there is a fun walk-through with all sorts of sports cars.
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival: If everyone is tired and needs a break from the heat, this theater showcases a few Pixar short films in 4D, running about 20 minutes in total, and we always really enjoy them!
There are a ton of different exhibits and areas to walk around and look. To be honest, I could spend days walking around Epcot just looking at stuff. That’s why it’s my favorite park to go to solo. There are also a lot of free-play areas for the kids to run around and go wild.
World Showcase
Get ready to have some fun exploring the world! There are passports sold in the park (or there are a ton on Etsy) that make great souvenirs. Some people like to try “drinking around the world,” which requires you to drink an alcoholic beverage from every country. You could do this with food as well. There are kid versions where you can answer questions and gain stamps in your passport. During festivals, they often sell themed scavenger hunts with a prize at the end. We love these! There’s a great debate on whether you should start with Mexico or Canada…but I say pick a side and start traveling. Everything is built in a circle (with the option to take a ferry back part-way if you need it), so you’ll end up seeing it all either way.
Mexico
You’ll see a giant pre-Columbian pyramid. Be sure to go inside and walk around for the full experience. There are shops and a restaurant, a tequila bar, and a slow-moving Donald Duck gondola ride.
Norway
Anna and Elsa live here, as does the Frozen ride (which younger Cash insists I inform you does have a small drop.) Norway has some quaint shops, and you can almost pretend it’s not 1 billion degrees outside.
China
There are some really great shops, a museum, and an immersive theater experience showing you all China has to offer. Mulan lives here.
Germany
The caramel shop will lure you in- be sure to get some of that popcorn! There is also a really cool working miniature train set up outside.
Italy
I should mention here that every single country in the World Showcase has a restaurant. Most of them have quick service options and sit-down restaurants, so if you are in the mood for a particular kind of cuisine or want to try something new, this is the place to do it. Italy has an excellent gelato stand and fantastic limoncello.
United States
The American pavilion is exactly halfway around the World Showcase, so congrats! No matter where you started, you made it halfway. Get yourself some BBQ and a funnel cake. There is also a show called American Adventure that is very popular. The pavilion here is where all of the big concerts are held during festival times.
Japan
We might be biased since this is Cash’s favorite country, but Japan has some really cool shopping. Be sure to stop into the Mitsukoshi Department Store at least to look around. I also highly recommend the Violet Sake from Garden House if you want a tasty alcoholic beverage.
Morocco
Moroccan food is delicious- the Spice Road Table restaurant is very popular and a great place to reserve a fireworks viewing package. They have a very cool bar tucked into the back, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny.
France
Stop into the Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie here and order a croissant. It’s tucked into an alleyway, so make sure you don’t miss it. The Eiffel Tower makes a fun photo op. There is also a ride, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, which is super fun.
United Kingdom
Meet Mary Poppins, stop in for a pint at the pub, and eat some fish and chips. There are also some fun musical acts that perform here.
Canada
If you’re feeling fancy, Canada’s restaurant Le Cellier has rave reviews, but it’s difficult to get into, so be sure to make a reservation. Their Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, in particular, is revered on many a food blog. If you get lucky and hit Canada during a food festival, you might be able to taste-test it without eating at the restaurant.