One day at Epcot just isn’t enough! Time flies by with a day trip, and before we know it, the day is coming to a close, and there is more park to do. That’s why our vote is to spend at least two days at Epcot, if at all possible. Why do you ask? Check out these six reasons why we feel you need to spend two days at Epcot!
1 – Check Out all of the Newly Opened Experiences
If you haven’t been to EPCOT in the last few years, there have been a lot of changes! In early 2020, three new films have debuted, including the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Canada’s Far & Wide, and Awesome Planet in the Land Pavilion. Also, in 2020, Regal Eagle Smokehouse opened in the American pavilion. In 2021, a lot of new offerings opened in the fall, including two new restaurants, Space 220 near Mission Space and La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion, which have opened to rave reviews. You’ll want to experience two new attractions: the new family-friendly Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, which you’ll need to join a Virtual Queue to enjoy (see #2). Two new stores have also opened. First, Creations Shop is the flagship shopping location, and a newly remodeled Club Cool is delighting guests once again. In 2023, Journey of Water Inspired by Moana, the World Celebration Gardens, and the new nighttime spectacular “Luminous the Symphony of Us” all opened. In 2024, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza opened! Finally, on your way out of the park in the evening, don’t miss the Beacons of Magic at Spaceship Earth. By giving yourself two days to visit EPCOT, you’ll have more time to enjoy all of the new offerings off of your list.
2 – More Chances to Secure a Boarding Group or Individual Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in 2023, yet its popularity with guests is not slowing down. Disney is still using a Virtual Queue for the attraction. By visiting Epcot for two days, you increase your chances of getting a boarding group or be able to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
The Virtual Queue becomes available at 7:00 am each morning, and you can be anywhere to join in. You’ll want to join as soon as possible since, as expected, the queue will fill up quickly at the 7:00 am slot. If you miss out, you’ll have another chance to join at 1:00 pm, although, at that time, you’ll need to physically be in EPCOT to join the Virtual Queue. Note that boarding groups for the virtual queue are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. An evening Virtual Queue will be available as part of the Extended Evening Hours benefit to guests of Deluxe Disney resorts. Deluxe Resort Guests can request to join at 6:00 pm.
Guests also have the option to purchase a Lightning Lane Singe Pass entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. Lightning Lane purchases are limited in availability. Resort guests can book seven days in advance, and non-resort guests can purchase three days in advance. Access to the Lightning Lane can hit capacity and can sell out during busy periods, so we highly recommend you purchase access right when your booking window opens if you plan to purchase access. Prices will vary by date, attraction, and park. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is usually priced around $17.
3 – Multiple Dining Reservations
Epcot is known for having some of the most spectacular restaurants on Disney property. This makes it rather hard to decide which restaurant to dine at. With two days at Epcot, you’ll have the opportunity to taste multiple cuisines! Taste your way around the World Showcase or select the top restaurants to dine at, such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, or Le Cellier Steakhouse, among many others. Save your appetite and treat yourself to two days of excellent food.
4 – So Much to Explore
When looking at a park map, Epcot is now divided into four neighborhoods! Future World now has three distinct neighborhoods: World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature. These neighborhoods hold incredible attractions, fun characters, and some excellent Disney gift shops. World Showcase is more of a unique experience as guests explore eleven pavilions themed after different countries. It really is like traveling the world with one loop! Explore the architecture and atmospheres of Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Unique shopping at each country’s gift shop is a must, but it does take time. Plus, each country has history and facts about the country that are worth the stop to learn more about the different areas around the world. With two days at Epcot, you wouldn’t have to hurry and rush through to get it all in.
5 – Catch the Entertainment
Located mostly around the World Showcase and in some areas throughout the other neighborhoods, an Epcot must-do is stopping to watch the different entertainers out in the streets. Showcasing their talents from acrobats to juggling to music, the entertainers at Epcot are outstanding! It is tricky to try to catch all the performers as they each hold various performance times. Several Princesses and other characters make appearances throughout the park as well. Take a moment to cheer on the street performers, greet your favorite Princess, and worry about hurrying off to another part of the park on day two at Epcot.
6 – Rest Your Legs
All this talk about going here and there – we know those legs and feet might be aching! With two days in the plans, Epcot is much more enjoyable when you are able to stop and admire the atmosphere while resting. Epcot is a lot of walking, and we know that a tired, hot feeling starts to sink in about midday, if not before. We recommend picking one day to arrive when the park first opens and then another day to come a little later. On that late arrival day, be sure to stay through Luminous the Symphony of Us, the nighttime fireworks show. The bottom line is that two days will simply make the process of squeezing in ALL Epcot has to offer a much easier task.
However, many days you decide to spend at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, we are sure you will have a fantastic time!
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.