What is the BEST in Epcot?
Disney World’s Epcot was opened in 1982 and is twice the size of Magic Kingdom park with a whopping 305 acres. It is located in Bay Lake, Florida. Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Epcot’s theme is based on human achievement, and the advancement of technology, and International Culture.
You can get to Epcot by bus or ride the Monorail. Some area resorts offer boat rides to/from Epcot as well. The Monorail also takes you to Magic Kingdom. There are two different Monorails, so you have to change Monorails to do this. Details regarding transportation is discussed in a related post.
How is Disney World’s Epcot divided?
Disney World’s Epcot is divided into two sections. Future World is at in the front half of the park by the entrance, and World Showcase is located in the back half of the park.
What is Epcot’s World Showcase?
The World Showcase eleven different countries that you can visit. Each country has KidCot-cultural crafts for kids, shopping, and other cultural themed events including specialty restaurants and snacks.
Epcot is under going major changes, but World Showcase will remain the same with just a few additions. A Mary Poppins theme is being added to the United Kingdom Pavilion. The France Pavilion will add a Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, a new French restaurant, and a Beauty and the Beast sing-along.
What is in Epcot’s World Showcase now?
The following countries in World Showcase each have specialty restaurants, and shopping. I highly recommend you visit each country. If even for a moment you feel like you’re in that country as a lot of attention went into every detail. They often have mini performances that are very entertaining to watch.
Should I visit the Kidcot stops?
Each country also has Kidcot stops as well. Kidcot has little momentos and/or activities for little ones to learn about that country. The location of Kidcot stops, and popular attractions is listed next to the country below, along with some dining recommendations.
What attractions and popular restaurants are in World Showcase?
The BEST part of World Showcase are the abundance of places to eat! You can find both table-service and quick-service places to eat here. I’ve named a few of the popular restaurants next to each county.
- Mexico Pavilion Kidcot is near Mexico Folk Art Gallery. First, checkout the indoor marketplace with an erupting volcano by the restaurant. Then, be sure to ride the Gran Fiesta boat ride.
- Norway Pavilion Kidcot is at The Puffin’s Roost. The Frozen Ever After attraction is a must-do even if you don’t you have a Frozen fan in your group! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is popular if you want to see several princesses.
- China Pavilion Kidcot is near the exit of Reflections of China.
- Germany Pavilion Kidcot is at Volkunst. The Biergarten is a fun German buffet with live indoor music.
- Italy Pavilion is outside, near La Bottega Italiana.
- American Adventure Pavilion is outside, near Art of Disney.
- Japan Pavilion is in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. Teppan Edo is a hibachi-style restaurant.
- Morocco Pavilion is at the Marketplace in the Medina.
- France Pavilion is at Souvenirs de France. You will also find the Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along here too.
- United Kingdom Pavilion is at The Toy Soldier. Kids love the outdoor miniature electric train enclosure. Children love watching the trains, and looking at the little details.
- Canada Pavilion is at the exit of Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360. Le Cellier Steakhouse is a very popular restaurant here.
What will you find in Epcot’s Future World?
Future World has several popular attractions and places to eat. It is divided into Future World East, and Future World West. I will explain what is there as of now.
Future World is currently under construction, and will consist of three new sections: World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature. (See photo below)
What should I do in Future World EAST?
Currently, the most popular attractions in Future World EAST are:
- Mission Space is an awesome shuttle simulator that takes you into outer space. You have a choice of ‘Orange’ Mission for thrill seekers, and a ‘Green’ mission for a gentler experience. (Note: ‘Green’ riders must be 40+ inches tall to ride, and minimum 44″ for ‘Orange’ riders.)
- Test Track is a high-speed car ride. First, you design your car. Then, you get to test it out on the road (track). It is an exhilarating must-do ride! (Note: riders must be 40+ inches tall to ride.)
- Spaceship Earth is that big sphere you see as you enter the park! Yes, you can actually go on a ride inside of it. It explore the history of communications. This storyline is changing to focus on uniting humanity from earliest time to today.
What should I do in Future World WEST?
Currently, the most popular attractions in Future World West are:
- Soarin’ Around the World is a hang glider flight simulator that allow you to fly around the globe. This is a must-see attraction! (Note: riders must be 40+ inches tall to ride.)
- Living with the Land is a slow-moving boat ride that explores the new technology to make agriculture more efficient.
- The Seas With Nemo and Friends, SeaBase (aquarium), and Turtle Talk with Crush are all must-do attractions in the same pavilion. Kids really love the aquarium, and talking to Crush!
- Journey Into imagination With Figment is a cute ride which focuses on a purple dinosaur encouraging everyone to use their imagination.
What restaurants are popular in Future World?
All of these restaurants can be found in Future World EAST, except for Space 220. Space 220 will be in Future World WEST.
- Coral Reef restaurant is in near Nemo and Friends. It is a seafood restaurant with beautiful aquarium-type views. Tip: Make sure to check the recent reviews before eating here. It can be hit-or-miss.
- Garden Grill is in The Land Pavilion near the Soarin’ attraction. Garden Grill is one of our favorite character meals in Epcot. It is a family-style all-you-can-eat served at your table. The restaurant slowly turns to views of the The Land boat ride going on below it. The characters are wearing farming attire, and visit your table multiple times throughout your meal.
- Sunshine Seasons is a quick service restaurant located in The Land Pavilion. It is a good counter service with many options, including healthy items like salads and sandwiches. Tip: It gets very crowded, so be sure to get here before the lunch/dinner rush to find an empty table.
- Space 220 is a new restaurant in the Mission Space pavilion. To get here you board a space elevator to take you on a journey to Space where you dine looking at the panorama view of a Space station.
Tip: Short on time? This is your must-do list!
- Mission Space
- Test Track
- Soarin’
- Frozen Ever After
- Dining in the World Showcase
Does Epcot have a nighttime show?
Disney World’s Epcot usually has a spectacular evening fireworks show. Illuminations fireworks show was discontinued, and in its place is said to be a new show called HarmonioUs show. This takes place in the center of World Showcase. The nighttime shows often start late for little ones to enjoy after a long day in the park. More details to follow…
What Disney Resort hotels are near Epcot?
There are five deluxe resorts, and one moderate resort in the Epcot area if you’re hoping to stay close-by. I will go into more detail about these resorts in related posts.
The five Deluxe Resorts are:
- Boardwalk Inn & Villas
- Yacht Club Resort
- Beach Club Resort & Villas
- Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin Hotel
The moderate resort is:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
How do I get to Epcot?
- There is bus transportation to Disney Theme Parks and Disney Resort hotels. Cost: FREE
- There’s an area in World Showcase called the International Gateway with a walkway that leads to boats that will take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot Resorts, and Disney’s Skyliner Resorts. Cost: FREE
- You can rent a car, or take a taxi at your own expense. Cost: varies $$
The NEW Worlds of Disney World’s Epcot!
The photo below depicts how the area will be divided. Here are a few things about each world:
- World Celebration will have a courtyard with a piazza, fountain, and Imagination Pavilion.
- World Discovery (currently Future World East) will Mouse Gears Gift Shop, a remodeled Electric Umbrella restaurant, Spaceship Earth, and a NEW Guardians of the Galaxy thrill ride, and Space 220 restaurant.
- Nature World (Future World West) will have The Living Seas & The Land Pavilion. Journey of Water, a walk-through attraction inspired by the movie Moana featuring waterfalls, dancing fountains, and jumping water.
What do you think about the changes? Looks very exciting to me!!!
Final thoughts:
There you have it! That is what is in Disney World’s Epcot! First, I’ve listed the most popular must-see attractions, dining recommendations, and area hotels! Then, I will do a follow-up post on the new sections of Future World once construction is complete.
Note: Some attractions and restaurants mentioned in this post were closed during Covid-19, and may not have reopened yet.
