Dreaming of Disney: Epcot

Grab your passport because today you are headed to Disney’s Epcot where you will  travel through 11 different countries and get a chance to tinker with some cool innovations. You will also get a little history, learn about fish, explore outer space, and of course ride some amazingly themed rides in the process. You really need 1 full day to see it all. (If you plan on visiting every show & attraction plus like time to meander through each ‘country’ you may need more than 1 day. ) Note: Characters are in red below.

What our day at EPCTO looks like. . .
EPCOT has the most amazing restaurants. So plan to use your dinning credits at this park; and make sure you have reservations as far in advance as you possibly can. For complete reviews on restaurants see my post on Disney Dinning (some favorites & very summarized descriptions only are included below).

I highly recommend doing the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus (in Norway) – the building is beautiful, the food is good, and it is THE BEST place to see all the Princesses without spending all day waiting in various lines!!

• We get the slot 1 hour before the park opens (Note: this park is usually open 9-9pm so I don’t worry so much about seeing the park on a Magic Hour day)
• This way we get a hearty breakfast, see all the Princesses at one shot- first thing, and are ready to see attractions when the park opens
• Note: by starting this way you will miss the opening park ‘ceremony’ – Each park does this about 10 minutes before the park opens. There are two parts to Epcot’s ceremony. One family will be chosen to say they open (just inside the turnstiles – no pomp & circumstance to it). Then guests can go under the ball and stop in the innovations area where things will still be roped off. At this point main characters Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto will come out. They will not all stand together but will each pick a spot of the ropes. They wave and after the countdown they will go to there character spot in Innovations.  it’s okay, but I wouldn’t change our plans for this.

Epcot is 300 acres so there is a lot of walking. You want to be strategic since you will not be able to do a lot of cutting back and forth with the large lake in the middle. I strategize seeing Epcot in 4 blocks: (so if you spend longer at something than I do, just remember it is all give and take)

1. 9am-noon - (attractions to the right front of the park before you get to the lake) Nemo ride, Soarin, The Land, Figment, Characters
2. Noon-3:30 – World Showcase (we eat as we go and walk around the world) We do NOT see every show as there just isn’t enough time. If you want to or if you plan on lingering in the shops you may want to plan 2 days for Epcot) – Note: the World showcase doesn’t even open until 11am. And most of the characters have dwindled by 5pm. It gets really crowded towards the late afternoon evening as most people have migrated to the back of the park to eat & browse.
3. 3:30-5:30 – (Front Left of park) – Test Track, Mission Space, Universe of Energy Pavilion, Spaceship Earth, and any innovations there is time for
4. 6-9pm – Sit-down dinner, Spaceship Earth (big iconic ball ride), any rides I want to see again, beautiful fountain that goes opposite gravity between ball & lake, and Illuminations

NOTE: The first guest in line at Innovations gets a SPECIAL treat - They get a picture with ALL the main {Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto} characters. How cool is that?!? Whether you are the first guest or not, this is still THE BEST place to see the main characters. You will wait in one short line (in air conditioning with a TV playing Mickey cartoons) and then you will get to see each character one after the other.  What a fun & efficient way to see them!!

After you’ve seen the main characters in Innovations send one family member to run up to The Land Pavilion to get fastpasses for Soarin (a very popular, and super cool ride!). Then meet the rest of your party at Finding Nemo. The Seas with Nemo & Friends is super cute. There is a cute photo op before you go in and your kids will enjoy hearing the seagulls saying, “Mine, Mine” like in the movie. You will make your way through a very cool (and a little dark) line. Then you will board the continuously going clamshell that will take you through the story of Finding Nemo. It uses televisions and live fish so beautifully.

After the short ride you will come out in a super cool 5.7 million gallon salt-water tank. By getting here early in the day it isn’t very crowded and you will be able to take advantage of watching the fish get fed (which means they are extra active). The are some truly spectacular fish! There is your first of many available craft stations (something you will find that Disney has for kids that for FREE all around Epcot). There is a super cute photo op inside a shark. Then catch Turtle Talk with Crush – a continuously running 15 minute live, interactive show. In this VERY cool show a computer generated Crush will actually interact with your kids. Goofy got to chat with Crush once and it was truly awesome dude!

At this point I would head toward The Land pavilion where you will find:

• Soarin - do this first if you can (and maybe grab another fastpass for later in the day) – This ride is AWESOME! You will sit in your assigned row, buckle, up, and put any hats/sunglasses/loose shoes in the storage pocket. Then the ride lifts row after row until you are all facing this JUMBO screen. You will feel like you are soaring (as the ride moves you to feel the surge) above some amazing scenery. Goofy (6) and Grandpa (70ish) both LOVED this ride and wanted to go again! Your feet will dangle in the air – it’s very cool. You do have to be 40” tall to ride. Parent ride swap (explained in my tidbits post) is available. There is a wonderful huge counter service restaurant with lots of choices for those who cannot ride with lots of seating. (Image of Soarin is from WEDway Radio) – This ride is very popular so I would use fastpasses and you definitely are going to want to ride it twice! (Note: if you eat at The Garden Grill for dinner like I suggest below you will be here to ride it again right before dinner!)

 

• Living with the Land Ride – I wasn’t sure that I was going to care for this 14 minute boat ride, but I actually thought it was very interesting and would do it again next visit.  You will sail through various different habitats and then into my favorite part – Disney’s own greenhouse. They have some very unique and interesting way of growing things that was very cool. And if you are planning on eating at one of my recommended restaurants (The Garden Grill) the food for that restaurant is all grown right in this greenhouse!

 

• Circle of Life 20 minute movie (environmental fable) in the pavilion as well. There are some cool animal images and you will see some favorite characters from The Lion King, but unless you are planning on staying 2 days, I would skip it.

Now take a walk on over to the Imagination ! Pavilion.  Grab a frozen lemonade and watch the beautiful fountain for a couple minutes! Epcot is truly beautiful – make sure you enjoy it =-) Over here you will find:

• Journey Into the Imagination with Figment – This is actually one of Minnie’s favorite ride and she asked to go on it 3x in a row! You follow Figment (a purple dragon) and go into a ‘laboratory’  where you will use all your senses. Minnie though the smelly skunk was hilarious. There is a room where everything is upside down (toilet, table, etc. all on the ceiling). Everyone is welcome to ride although smaller kids may get a little frightened by the dark or loud music.  It is a cute attraction that is worth seeing once.

• Captain EO starring Michael Jackson – I remember seeing this way back in the late 80s when it was first at Disney (wow do I feel old!) If you are a Jackson fan you will want to catch this 17 minute show filled with the pop star and his music. We opted not to go as I don’t think my younger kids would enjoy it and wouldn’t like the loud music. (Did you know it is regarded as the first 4D film?)

 

• The pavilion itself is filled with lots of fun interactive ways to set your imagination free. You could spend a LOT of time playing in here!! But if you are doing Epcot in a day you will want to limit it to 15 minutes or so.

At this point it is about 12 noon and you are hungry! I have two ideas for you:

1. Make a reservation and have lunch at the Biergarten Restaurant in Germany. It has an AMAZING all-you-can-eat German buffet, live music/performance, and is one of the most amazingly themed restaurants you will find!! Make sure to make your reservation for 1pm or later to allow yourself time to get to ‘Germany’ which is at the VERY back of the park (a good walk!)
2. Eat around the world – I would start in Mexico and go clockwise around all the countries. Use snack credits and try churros form Mexico, Gelati from Italy, Crepes from France, Pretzel’s in Germany, Chips in England, Kaki-Gori (shaved fruit with ice) in Japan, and anything else interesting that catches your eye. Then you will be experiencing the ‘world’ through all your senses – fun huh!! We did this and the kids thought it was GREAT!!

Either option you do go from the Imagination! Pavilion and grab fastpasses for Test Track before heading to next door Mexico to begin your world tour (trust me you’ll be glad you did!)

• Mexico – The Aztec pyramid itself is gorgeous to look at and grab a picture by. There are various dinning options including snacks and either sit-down or table service restaurants. Around the pyramid you will find a 12-piece Mexican Mariachi band playing on and off throughout the day and  Mexico Donald. Inside you will find Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, a fun boat ride for everyone in the family that shows clips from the 1944 Disney movie The Three Caballeros. It is a fun silly ride. Also in the pavilion you will find opportunities to shop and the {free} kid craft station. I wanted to point out if you buy a kids passport they will stamp it for your child at each of the countries. We haven’t done this, but I imagine it might help some kids find visiting the countries more enjoyable.

• Norway -  You may have already walked by this beautiful country to eat with the princesses, but if not you will want to make sure and take in the beauty. Besides the shops you will also want to ride Maelstrom. This ride is popular and has fastpass available, but we have not had to wait more than 20 minutes without it (it just isn’t practical to come back as far as you have to walk around the lake!) The ride takes you on a longboat through a troll infested swamp. (Spoiler alert: at one point you will actually go backwards – a little thrill in a mild family ride). My kids thought it was great, some younger children may be frightened by the dark, trolls, or backwards ride. At the end there is a 5 minutes film that allows you to see beautiful Norway. I think it is worth a quick watch, but you can walk straight through when the doors open if you like.

• China- You will know immediately by the unique architecture that you have entered China. Disney really has done an amazing job at recreating the beauty of all these countries.  In China you will want to take a walk through through the picturesque garden. There is delicious counter service meal (if you are eating around the world just order 1 to share to get a taste). You will often see street performers and might even see Mulan. There is a Reflections of China. We have never actually this 13 minute 360 degree show because like all 360 degree shows you have to stand and my kids would not do well, but someday I think it would be really cool! At least walk inside and see some amazing Chinese artifacts sure to impress especially and boys in your family.

• Germany – I think Germany is particularly striking. If you are not eating at the Biergarten why not grab a delicious pretzel, take in the scenery, and listen to the Oktoberfest Musikanten perform (Note: if you do lunch at the Biergarten you will have already seen this performance. You may also catch Snow White or one of the Dwarfs here for photo ops.

• Italy – Now stroll through the replica of Venice, see the gondolas along the lake, and make sure to enjoy a delicious Gelati by the fountain. You may also catch the Italian clowns performing on the ‘streets’ in Italy.

• USA – I thought it was funny to see a spot dedicated to USA, but it is more historical American.  You will find beautiful Colonial buildings and a 30 minute theatrical show that uses 35 animatronic famous Americans to tell the story of America. (We have never done this as I’ve always felt we didn’t really have time since my kids were not a good age for it. But next time we go we are going to try to see it as Goofy is now in lower Elementary school) If you are ready for a snack to the left of the show they serve ice cream with VERY generous serving sizes!
• Japan – Walk through the gate to enter a relaxing rock garden & koi pond. You can catch one of Matsuriza Japanese taiko drummers various times throughout the day.

• Morocco – I have not eaten at the table service dinning Marrakesh yet, but plan on doing so the next time we come for a better ‘taste’ of Morocco. The buildings are stunning – make sure to meander through the marketplace for not only shops, but some fun photo ops. I really enjoyed catching the performance of Mo’ Rockin which included a belly dancer – so cool! You will find Aladdin and Jasmine around here throughout the day.

• France – Some may disagree, but I thought France was not as impressive as some of the other countries. The Eiffel tower is visible over the buildings as if off in the distance and you can get some wonderful food (try the pastries or a crepe). It is also pretty by the fountain, but other than that there isn’t really much to see here. One cool thing is you have the rare opportunity to meet Belle and the Beast here throughout the day. You can also find Marie from the Aristocats.

• United Kingdom -  You’ll know your in the United Kingdom by the cobblestone streets and red telephone booths. Your kids may enjoy the short hedge maze. If you are or have a Pooh fan in your family make sure to duck into the store for a special photo op with Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, or if you are living right all three at one time!! My kids LOVED this!

• Canada – As you walk by Canada you will see larger than life Totem Poles and have the opportunity to see O Canada!, an 18-minute, 360-degree film. Again, as 360 films are not great with young kinds we have yet to see this.

It is probably around 3:30pm and it is time to see the fast attractions. Grab a fastpass for Mission: Space. Then ride:

• Test Track (you got fastpasses for this earlier in the day) – This clever roller coaster allows you to ride as your vehicle goes through safety inspections. You will see how well the brakes work, test the vehicle in hot & cold, on bumpy roads, going 60mph, and more. I thought all the crash test dummies in the line are super fun. Note: If you are willing to go alone there is a separate line that goes much quicker. You must be 40” tall to ride. My son Goofy LOVES this ride!!  NOTE: There is a really fun water splash area just outside this ride where kids can get cooled off with their own test car. Great for little ones waiting. You can also go through the exit of the ride & see GM cars and watch part of a plant in action.

• Mission: SPACE (when it is your fastpass time) – My son & I did the easiest version & it was super cool. You will feel like you are in your own 4 seater spacecraft! You will each get a job to do & buttons to push!! Note that the capsule closes so if you are afraid of small spaces, don’t ride. Make sure you read the description to know which level will be the best for you. You need to be 44” tall to ride. Goofy LOVED it & wanted to go again!!

 

• Ellen’s Energy Adventure – This runs continuously every hour. Just so you are prepared this ‘ride’ takes 45 minutes. I think it is cute and worth doing once. My husband didn’t really care to do it the next time we visited. You will go in and watch an 8 minute preshow video starring Ellen Degernous (note there is VERY limited seating and they do not allow you to sit on the floor!) Then you will move into the next room where you will sit in rows (the rows actually split apart later into 6 different vehicles to go through the ride portion). Then you learn what Ellen does not know about Energy as she is playing Jeopardy… she drifts to sleep and the rows break apart and you ‘travel back in time to the dinosaur age’. This isn’t scary and you will find Ellen throughout the next 7 minute journey. Then the chairs go back together and you watch a 12 minute segment on energy resources around the world.  My kids ‘endured it’ fine, but it wasn’t a ride they really cared for either. So I guess if you are pressed for time you may want to skip this 45 minute attraction.
• Innovations – If you have time before your dinner reservations you may want to take some time to play with some really cool innovations – aka - toys!!

 

• Spaceship Earth – I think this ride is cool because you actually go up in the ball! It is a continuously loading ride where everyone can ride. The 16 minute ride will take you though history (invention of printing press and other important discoveries). I think it is pretty cool & interesting. The ride uses animatronic figures. When you get to the top you tip back and go back down the ball while you can use the computer screen in your vehicle.

 

Dinner – I highly recommend the Garden Grill. It is a character meal with Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. The restaurant rotates and you will eat the most exquisite food grown right here in the Epcot greenhouse. (see full review here) Plus then you will get to use your fastpass to ride Soarin again!

Go ahead and ride/see anything else you missed and then make sure to check out the fountain all lit up in the Illuminations plaza. SO PRETTY!  If you’d like get a spot around the lake to see the evening show Illuminations (any spot is a good one, I promise!)  - The show consists of an illuminated earth in the middle of the lake the has different images shown on it. There are also laser, fireworks, and water effects. MUCH of the show is changing images on the illuminated ball in the middle of the lake. It has cool parts, but of all the Disney evening shows this is my least favorite. I’d watch some & then head on out of the park before the crowds hit =-)

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Depending on the hours when you visit, this may be the end of the day. See –it fills up quickly! If you are lucky and/or planned it well you will be there for evening magic hours and you will have 3 more hours to  see your favorites again or check out Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The lines get lighter and lighter throughout magic hours.
As this park closes early it is a great night to swim at your hotel or catch Dinner at the nearby Boma (click to see my review of this scrumptious restaurant).
Park Tidbits & Curiosities:

• Epcot is more than just rides! The park itself is stunning with lots of beautiful flowers, architecture, and fountains.
• There is a LOT of walking in this park – you will want a stroller for kids 4 and under!
• TO maximize your time try to only see unique characters (Mickey & friends, Beast, Mulan, Marie, Dopey)
• There are lots of ‘street performance’ in the many countries. I think it would be very stressful to plan/schedule to see them all. If one in particular appeals to you schedule that, but then just walk around & catch what you catch. You will probably catch 3/4 of the performances (at least partial) without even trying!
• The International Flower & Garden Festival is AMAZING!! It typically runs for 2 months from March –May and is definitely worth seeing. The topiaries are stunning. (Note: It doesn’t change how I would see the park. You will see all the topiaries as you move around the park in the systematic approach I have listed above.)

What to see if you are squeezing it into a 1/2 day: I really don’t think you would want to squeeze this park into 1/2 a day because of the walking alone…..but if you were going to try here is what I would do: 

• Go on a day with evening Magic Hours (that would allow you to see the most popular rides at the front of the park) & start at LUNCH
• If you want to see it all start by going to all the countries (starting in Mexico and going clockwise; don’t miss rides in Mexico & Norway)
• Pick one of the MANY wonderful dinning choices for dinner
• After dinner see the rides at the front of the park (in order form don’t miss): Soarin, Test Track, Spaceship Earth (big ball), Mission Space (thrill ride), Nemo & Friends, Figment, The Land, Captain EO, Ellen’s Energy Ride, Imagination Pavilions.

If you are traveling with teens who really only want to ‘do rides’ you could squeeze it all in from dinner onward by eating towards 5pm then seeing rides only for the remaining 5 hours (give or take depending on magic hours) *Note: Please check Disney’s website for any ride closures/refurbishments or changes since this post.

 

LOOKING FOR MORE?!?

Check out other helpful topics in the Dreaming of Disney Series below!

1. When to take your kids (what is the 'perfect' age)
2. Planning for your trip (time of year, how long to stay, Disney hotels, and affordability/deals)
3. Tidbits (20 tips from the best place to see Mickey to strollers to super cool Disney features you may not know about)
4. Dinning: My top picks for snacks, quick meals, and reviews on 12 restaurants (including character meals)
5. Magic Kingdom
6. Animal Kingdom
7. Hollywood Studios
8. Epcot
9. Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland, CA

 

And if you are ready to book your next magical vacation may I recommend:

Lori Watson, of Watson Vacations/Mouse Tales Travel who is a stay-at-home, homeschool mom to 5. Mouse Tales Travel services are always FREE to you when you book your Disney/Sandals/Cruise/or any other vacation stay with us and our prices are the same as if you'd book directly through Disney. Why use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? We offer so MUCH more for free! Our concierge services include (but aren't limited to) resort booking, dining reservation arrangements, ticket purchases, special events, special park itineraries and planners to help you avoid crowds. We also offer weddingmoon and honeymoon planning, family reunion planning and Much MUCH more! For your FREE, no-obligation quote, visit mousetalestravel.com and click on "get a quote"! Make sure to chose Lori as your agent! You can also email Lori at lori.watson@mousetalestravel.com She looks forward to helping you plan your **MAGICAL** getaway!