EPCOT was the second theme park to open at Walt Disney World in Orlando, after Magic Kingdom. It opened its doors in October 1982 as EPCOT Center. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Due to its in-depth celebration of international cultures, it is often referred to as the “Permanent World’s Fair.”
The World Showcase is at the heart of EPCOT, and it features 11 countries guests can visit: Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As tourists travel from country to country, there are character meet and greets, delicious cultural dining experiences, engaging attractions, thrilling rides, and more.
When booking a Disney trip, don’t skip out on EPCOT. This theme park has so much to offer for all ages. If you’re looking for unique, themed lodging close to the Walt Disney World theme parks, check out our accommodations at Element Vacation Homes.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
- Area of EPCOT: World of Discovery
- Height requirement: 42 inches or taller
- What to expect: Dark ride, thrill ride
- Approximate ride time: 3 minutes
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest ride at EPCOT, opening in May of 2022. As riders wait for their journey through space, there are lots of far-out elements to enjoy. A Lightning Lane would allow you to skip some of the pre-show spectacles and blast right into orbit.
As Disney’s first-ever backward launching rollercoaster, and with 360-degree rotation, this ride is sure to give you a thrill. Prepare to join Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, and the gang as you reverse, rotate, and take off to save the galaxy. It’s no secret that Star-Lord is a music fanatic, so of course, the ride plays great tunes. The songs rotate, so you never know which one you will hear when it’s your turn!
Note: This is one of the fastest rollercoasters at Walt Disney World. Its speed and darkness may frighten younger children, even if they meet the height requirement.
2. Soarin’ Around the World
Photo Credit: Scott Thomas via Flickr CC 2.0
- Area of EPCOT: The Land Pavilion
- Height requirement: 40 inches or taller
- What to expect: Slow ride, small drops
- Approximate ride time: 5 minutes
Soarin’ is one of the most favorite rides at EPCOT. This slow and scenic rollercoaster takes you to the skies as you are elevated in the air and go hang gliding over some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes! You’ll see the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and more. The sights and sounds of this ride are sure to captivate your heart!
Pro Tip: While you’re waiting, you can use your mobile device to play a travel trivia game with your family and friends.
3. Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Area of EPCOT: Future World
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Slow ride, dark ride
- Approximate ride time: 6 minutes
Friends of all ages are invited to explore and learn all about the five senses on this slow, silly ride full of animatronics and surprises. Watch out–your guide, ‘Figment the Dragon’, may cause some topsy-turvy chaos in the sensory labs! This ride usually has a very low waiting time, which is always a welcome treat!
4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr CC 2.0
- Area of EPCOT: France Pavilion
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Trackless ride, sensory effects
- Approximate ride time: 4 minutes, 40 seconds
Take a walk in Remy’s–paws?–as you scamper through a busy kitchen and Gusteau’s Paris restaurant! This 4D ride is based on the Pixar favorite, Ratatouille, and will give you a full-on sensory experience as you feel and smell elements throughout this tiny rodent trek in the life-sized world. Extraordinaire!
5. Frozen Ever After
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr CC 2.0
- Area of EPCOT: Norway Pavilion
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Slow ride, small drops, dark ride
- Approximate ride time: 5 minutes
Frozen Ever After is a great introductory rollercoaster for little kids! This slow-going boat ride will have you singing along to your favorite tunes as you make your wintry voyage. Look out for Olaf, Sven, and other beloved characters on the way, and watch out for the waterfalls on the journey–you may get wet!
6. Spaceship Earth
- Area of EPCOT: Future World
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Slow ride, dark ride
- Approximate ride time: 15 minutes
Spaceship Earth is at the heart of EPCOT and is truly the icon of this Disney park. It’s also one of the oldest EPCOT rides, having been around since the theme park’s grand opening in 1982.
With a longer-than-normal ride length, passengers can sit back and enjoy a trip back in time as this ride celebrates the history and advances of human communication and technology over the years. From prehistoric times to the present day and beyond (with a special interactive portion for the riders to take part in), Spaceship Earth is not a ride you’ll want to pass on.
7. Test Track
- Area of EPCOT: Future World
- Height requirement: 40 inches or taller
- What to expect: Dark ride, fast ride
- Approximate ride time: 4 minutes
Begin by designing your own car and eventually take a test drive in a “SIM car” to gauge your vehicle in various weather conditions and terrains. Refurbished features of this popular ride include a modernized entrance, a new queue with six updated automobile exhibits, and new scenes for the test track.
Note: Test Track will reopen in Late Summer 2025 with a reimagined experience and aesthetic for its passengers!
8. The Seas with Nemo
- Area of EPCOT: Between Future World and The Land
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Slow ride
- Approximate ride time: 5 minutes
Plunge into this gentle adventure under the sea as you glide through the colorful ocean, dodging dangers like stinging jellyfish and Bruce, the shark. Your journey will take you through the East Australian Current with Crush, the sea turtle. Don’t forget to see if you can find Nemo!
But that’s not all! As your quest comes to a close, you’re invited to explore the saltwater aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. You’re sure to see exciting marine life, such as clownfish, sharks, and more. Don’t leave without completing the scavenger hunt to help Dory find her friends!
9. Living with the Land
- Area of EPCOT: The Land Pavilion
- Height requirement: Any height
- What to expect: Slow ride
- Approximate ride time: 15 minutes
This leisurely, inventive boat ride is packed with facts about the history of farming. You’ll get to see the hands-on approach Walt Disney World horticulturalists take when it comes to sustainable farming and yielding crops.
Fun Fact: More than 30 tons of produce are grown and gathered from The Land each year, most of which is used for dining experiences at The Land Pavilion. So, when you’re enjoying a meal at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant, you’re experiencing fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables! How’s that for farm-to-table?
10. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Area of EPCOT: Mexico Pavilion
- Height requirement: Any height, all ages
- What to expect: Slow ride
- Approximate ride time: 7 minutes
Surprise, surprise–we’re on the hunt for Donald Duck, who always seem to have a knack for mischief! This slow ride down the Rio Grande is inspired by The Three Caballeros, a 1944 Disney film. All ages can join in the search for Donald and experience the amusements and antics along the way.
Other Fabulous Things to Do in EPCOT
Photo Credit: Michael Kappel via Flickr CC 2.0
Eat!
Make sure you come hungry. The food in EPCOT is arguably the main attraction. It is a beautiful thing that park guests from around the world get to explore the World Showcase and dine around the world. If this doesn’t make you hungry for a vacation, we don’t know what will!
- School bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion)
- Gelato or sorbet from L’Artisan des Glaces (France Pavilion)
- Guacamole from Choza de Margarita (Mexico Pavilion) Psst…one of Disney’s secret menu items is located in the Mexico Pavilion!
- Dole whip from the Refreshment Outpost (World Showcase)
- Caramel butter bar from Karamell Küche (Germany Pavilion)
- Mezzo Metro pizza of your choice from Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion)
Turtle Talk with Crush
In The Seas Pavilion, be sure to stop for a chat with everyone’s favorite sea turtle, Crush. Tell your little ones to have their questions ready for this live Q&A experience!
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
This is a recent attraction at EPCOT, having opened in October of 2023, on the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Journey of Water is a fun, exploratory trail for all ages to enjoy. Don’t forget to meet Moana in World Nature!
Festival Scavenger Hunts
EPCOT hosts four annual festivals: Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays. Each festival has several exciting scavenger hunts that guests can participate in to earn prizes.
Luminous – The Symphony of Us
This is EPCOT’s stunning nightly fireworks show. Pro Tip: Have dinner at one of the restaurants in the World Showcase with a view of the fireworks.
Where to Stay Near Epcot
The first step in planning a Disney trip is to consider dates and accommodations. We would be happy to host you at one of our Element Vacation Homes.
Kissimmee is a popular lodging spot for travelers who want to be outside the noise and traffic that comes with Orlando tourists but close enough to enjoy the Disney parks. And it’s very easy to get from our Kissimmee vacation homes to Walt Disney World! We hope to see you in the place where dreams come true very soon!
