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EpcotThe Parks

Understanding Epcot – 10 Things You Need to Know

It’s easy to rush through explaining Epcot when it’s our favorite park and a place we visit often! But, for a newcomer to Walt Disney World or someone that’s never been to Epcot before, it’s common to wonder what this theme park is really all about! Here are ten things you need to know when it comes to understanding Epcot.





 

1 – A Theme Park and Beyond

Epcot has undergone reimagination in the past, and right now, in present-day, that reimagining is as vast as it’s ever been! Initially known as EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), Epcot still holds true to Walt’s vision from the beginning. Currently, Walt’s dreams of Epcot are being shaped and formed to keep Epcot innovative and engaging for every person that visits. It’s a park full of entertainment, attractions, global experiences, achievements, and some of the very best cuisines around. It’s not your typical amusement park with attractions and burgers! Instead, in Epcot, you’ll find it’s more of an experience with attractions that immerse guests into the story, entertainment that wows, international encounters that seriously make you feel like the world is right at your fingertips, and food and beverages that will have you coming back for more. Epcot is a theme park and beyond!

2 – There are Now Four Neighborhoods

Future World is now gone and there are four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. Each “world” or neighborhood holds different attractions, entertainment, and experiences to match the overall theming of the “world”. For example, World Nature is home to the current The Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land Pavilion, which includes Soarin’ Around the World, Living with The Land, and Awesome Planet. The story here is all about Nature! Each neighborhood provides interactive experiences meant to engage the mind in fun and unforgettable ways.

 

3 – It’s BIG!

While Epcot isn’t the largest of the four Disney World theme parks (Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest), you’ll still feel like you’ve walked around the world by the end of your day. Epcot’s roughly 300 acres await with pure excitement around every corner. Prepare yourself and your family for your Epcot visit by walking around your neighborhood to get in shape! This is also a great time to break in comfortable walking shoes before arriving at the park. The good news is there are several places to take breaks in Epcot so young and old can rest their legs as needed.

4 – A Park for the WHOLE Family

A common misconception is that Epcot is only for adults. With two kids of our own and several nieces and nephews, we can assure you Epcot is for all ages! Sure, we’ve enjoyed several adults-only visits at Epcot where attractions weren’t a priority, and a slow stroll around the World Showcase was our preference. On the flip side, we’ve had days where are kids are hurrying from one attraction to the next to try to get it all in! Your toddler will be fascinated by The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush. Kids will be singing along on Frozen Ever After. Tweens enjoy building a car and then testing it out on Test Track. Teens can take on the thrills with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE. Mom and Dad can soar through the sky on Soarin’ and delight in a drink or two around World Showcase. And Grandpa and Grandma can ride along with Living with The Land and take in all the entertainment the park offers. The best part is that while you can break down these attractions into age groups that may appreciate them the most, many of the Epcot attractions and experiences are for the whole family!





 

5 – Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane Attractions & Virtual Queues

If you plan to use the paid Lightning Lane service at EPCOT, understand and be prepared so you know how and what attractions you want to book for the day. There are two Lightning Lane paid options that include different attractions. First, you can purchase Disney Genie+ for the day of your visit. This costs anywhere from $15-$39 per day, per person. With Genie+, you can access the Lightning Lane at nine attractions at EPCOT. Much like the original FastPass system, you can only book one Lightning Lane attraction at a time. At 7 am on the day of your visit within the My Disney Experience App, you’ll book your first return window at one of the attractions below. After that, you can make one selection at a time based on availability. Also, note that you can only use the Lightning Lane for each attraction on the list once. You cannot book another return window for an attraction you’ve already used for Lightning Lane that day. See the list below for the nine Genie+ attractions at EPCOT.

Disney Genie+ Attractions:

    1. Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
    2. Frozen Ever After
    3. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
    4. Living with the Land
    5. Mission Space – Green and Orange
    6. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
    7. Soarin’ Around the World
    8. Spaceship Earth
    9. Test Track
    10. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
    11. Turtle Talk with Crush

A second option for purchasing Lightning Lane is the a la carte method. The attraction below is NOT included with your Genie+ purchase and must be purchased separately, with pricing ranging from $7-$25 per attraction, per person. Lightning Lane selections for the top-tier individual attractions will also be made on the same day of your visit and can be made across multiple theme parks (great for those who have the Park Hopper Option). Access to purchase Lightning Lane for the individual top-tier attractions will be available to all guests when the park that attraction opens. Guests staying on Disney World property receive the benefit of early access to top-tier reservations and can make their purchases at 7:00 am on the day of their visit. 

Individual A la Carte Lightning Lane Attraction:

    1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Keep in mind that you do not have to purchase either of these options to enjoy these attractions. 

6 – Don’t Skip the Entertainment!

Epcot has impressive attractions that we, of course, would suggest as must-dos. However, we will say that Epcot boasts a LOT more than just the attractions. Especially as you travel around the World Showcase, be sure to make time in your day to stop and see the entertainment. Each of the eleven pavilions features some form of entertainment, from films to performers and beloved characters. A few of our favorites include the Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure Pavilion, Anna and Elsa in Norway, and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in France. You may not be buckled into a ride vehicle, but these entertainment doses add to the Epcot experience.

7 – A Variety of Cuisines

And that is a huge understatement! If we were to ask you what’s your favorite type of food…, would you say American? Chinese? Mexican? Or how about German?! Honestly, it’s amazing that you can visit one park and let your taste buds sing the praises of dishes from around the globe.

Along with the great variety of cuisines, the desserts, and beverages pair beautifully with the main dishes. You can try these bites at quick-service restaurants and kiosks if you want to eat on the move. Or you can reserve a meal at one of the many table-service restaurants. Try booking your reservation 60 days in advance, as restaurants fill up!

8 – Epcot knows how to put on a Festival!

Epcot hosts a party for every season; each is just as incredible as the next! First up is the Festival of the Arts (mid-Jan. – late Feb.), which celebrates the arts. The Flower & Garden Festival (early Mar. – late May.) boasts topiaries and flowers galore. International Food & Wine Festival (August – late November) celebrates the taste of global cuisine with food and beverages. Finally, the Festival of the Holidays (late Nov. – Dec.) is loaded with international holiday experiences. Each festival is celebrated with specialty food, beverages, entertainment, and experiences. Plus, they are included in your park admission! Just be prepared to purchase any food, drinks, or seminars/classes you may be interested in.

Frushi from Hanami in Japan

9 – Best Resorts and Easy Access

If you’re looking to stay close to Epcot, you’ll want to know that a few resorts in the Epcot area make for easy access in and out of the park – plus, it’s great being close for mid-day breaks. You can walk or ride a boat to and from Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resorts. You can also catch the Skyliner easily to and from Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation. Epcot is unique because it is the only Disney World park that offers five kinds of Disney transportation, including walking paths, boats, buses, Monorail, and Skyliner. Disney transportation is complimentary, so take advantage of it when you can!

10 – What’s New and Coming!

There are so many new and exciting things to experience at Epcot. Three new films are already in place, including the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Canada’s Far & Wide, and Awesome Planet in the Land Pavilion. Two new restaurants are now open, including Space 220 and La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion. The new family-friendly Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is open, and “Luminous the Symphony of Us,” the new nighttime spectacular, is a fantastic way to end the day. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open! Finally, the newest experiences are not to be missed, like Dreamer’s Point and Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.



 

Matt & Kim

We have had a long time love affair with Disney. We love the magic and the memories we've made at Walt Disney World! We follow all things Disney and have great experiences with being Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and RunDisney participants. From lodging to dining to Genie+ we have a spreadsheet for every occasion. Usually there isn’t a day that passes without some discussion of the master plan of our next trip to the happiest place on earth. Most people think we’re normal – until they travel to Disney with us.
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