Let’s take a look at Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World. Did you know EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow? It was initially intended to be an actual community Walt Disney himself had dreamed up, but now it is one of the busiest theme parks in the world! I first visited this park when I was in 6th grade. I abosolutely loved it then, and still do. It’s made a lot of changes over the years!
There’s so much you need to know!
I can’t even cover everything in this one post. Epcot is a great example of why you should use a travel agent. There are TONS of hidden gems. There’s SO much food, how do you know what to try and what to skip? There are new, popular rides that you don’t want to wait HOURS to ride. And there are hard to get RESERVATIONS! I know all the secrets and can help you with all of the above and MORE!
First the basics – The park is divided into two areas, 🚀Future World and 🌎 World Showcase.
👟Epcot covers 305 acres, making it a lot of walking for little feet (and big feet). It is the only park that has 2 entrances – one at the front of the park in Future World, and one in the back of World Showcase between France and England. The World Showcase entrance gives easy access to the skyliner and the Epcot resorts. The front entrance is where the monorail and the busses arrive.
🍽 World Showcase features 11 countries, in 11 different pavilions. They all their feature their own stores, eateries, and other things you would find in that country….a movie, artifacts. Some even have performers featuring entertainment you’d find in that country.
Future World is where you’ll find Spaceship Earth….or “the big giant golf ball” as some people refer to it. There’s a few different sections here. Going counter clockwise from the top of the map, you’ll find The Epcot Experience, Test Track, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, The Seas, The Land, and Imagination!
🎢 Although many think of this as adult park, but you can ride ALL attractions at 40″. There is lots for kids to do here! There’s the Kidcot Fun Stops throughout the park, and usually with each festival, there is a fun new scavenger hunt!
Discover the Fun!
🐠 Nemo, Frozen, and the new Ratatouille rides are found in this park. Soon you’ll also find Guardians of the Galaxy!
Nemo is found in the Seas. Here you’ll also find the 5.7-million-gallon Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium, one of the world’s largest man-made ocean environments. Frozen is found in the Norway pavillion, and Ratatouille is in France. Ratatouille is one of the newest attractions at Walt Disney World. You shrink down to the size of the rat and join Remy on an adventure in the kitchen at Gusteau’s and beyond!
❄️ Characters pop up all over the park. Some of the ones we saw were Joy, Winnie the Pooh, Elsa, Anna, and Belle.
Discover the Food!
There is so much food and drink to try in Epcot! You can eat and drink your way around the world! Each country fatures it’s own food and drinks. There’s almost always a festival with yummy snacks, but we’ll cover more of that in a minute.
There are lots of unique restaraunts in Future World, too. Space 220 takes you up 220 miles above earth for your meal. Garden Grill rotates around while you eat (don’t worry, it’s really slow, you won’t even notice except the scenery changes) and features Farmer Mickey and his pals for character dining! Coral Reef features an amazing view of The Seas Aquarium.
Discover the Festivals
Throughout the year, Epcot has many festivals featuring booths that have food and drinks from that country to celebrate the current festival. It’s a great way to eat /drink around the world, and there are often many other festival activities as well.
There are 4 festivals that are featured: Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and the Festival of the Holidays.
Discover the Special Tours
Just like the other parks, Epcot has some special tours you can take part in. In one of the tours you can even swim with the dolphins! Here’s some highlights on a couple tours that are offered:
Behind the Seeds Tour
Like the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot? Then you’ll love Behind the Seeds! Visit 4 greenhouses and a fish farm to catch a glimpse of amazing plants, insects and fish.
This one-hour tour of the fish farm and greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening or natural sciences. On it, you’ll:
🐠 Visit the fish farm and see what it’s like during feeding time.
🍎 Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
🌿 Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics, which allows them to grow without soil.
🌱 Take home a handout with some great ideas for your own garden.
💰 This tour is only $29 per person!
Epcot Seas Adventure Aqua Tour
Explore an underwater wonderland at Caribbean Coral Reef, a 5.7-million-gallon, man-made saltwater ocean.
Offering a snorkeling experience like no other for Guests who are not SCUBA-certified, this 2.5-hour experience at Epcot includes approximately 30 minutes of actual snorkeling time at The Seas Pavillion.
An easy-to-use scuba-assisted snorkel unit will keep you afloat and supplied with piped air. While you won’t be permitted to dive beneath the surface, you will have a remarkable view of over 65 species of marine life below you, thanks to the tank’s clear, current-free waters.
In addition to snorkeling, you’ll also:
- Tour the massive infrastructure that filters and maintains the habitat.
- Get answers to all your burning questions about the inhabitants of Caribbean Coral Reef.
- Learn even more about these beautiful creatures through an educational video presentation.
- Receive a complimentary photo of yourself suited up in your dive gear.
- Take home a special Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour souvenir.
- This tour is $145 per person
There is so much to do at Epcot, it’s really a can’t miss park. If you really want to take it ALL in, you’ll need more than one day! Then you can take your time, soak up the different environments, learn about other cultures, and ENJOY!
Ready to book your next Disney trip?
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If you have already booked your trip but realize you may need some extra help, I can also help with that for a small fee. Email me at emily@fantasticalvacations.com for more info.
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