WDW

The Park Must-Do Series:
#3: Top 7 Reasons to Make EPCOT Part of Your Vacation at Walt Disney World

EPCOT is arguably one of Disney’s most controversial parks. It was controversial when it was built and it remains controversial today. Part theme park, part world’s fair – the original intention of EPCOT – or the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow – dates back to Walt himself. He wanted to create a space with all the progressive, futuristic ideas of societal living that included auto transportation below ground, monorail transportation that took people from the center of the city to the outskirts of the city, and ultimately created a self-contained societal system of residential, commercial, and industrial space. In fact, you can still see his original scale model of the city if you ride the People Mover in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away not only before EPCOT could be realized, but even before any development on Walt Disney World had commenced. After The Walt Disney Company built their first theme park, Magic Kingdom, they turned their eyes to the only remaining development work that Walt had been working on. Imagineers weren’t sure they wanted to get into the business of managing communities, but they found inspiration in other work Walt had done with the World’s Fair. And so a smashing together of the futuristic concept along with a continual world’s fair came together in what is now known as EPCOT. EPCOT has gone through numerous changes over the years and even as this article is being written, is seeing yet another transformation in 2024.

For a long while, EPCOT was deemed more adult-oriented because of its continual festivals and its notorious reputation for “drinking around the world.” But, in recent years, it has been made very kid-friendly with several IP-related attractions added, making EPCOT a must-visit park if you’re visiting Walt Disney World. So, here are 7 reasons to make EPCOT part of your vacation at Walt Disney World.

#7 – The FOOD! There are more food options at EPCOT than any of the other parks – combined. And amazing variety too! Because of the countries that surround world showcase, you can get one country’s inspired food for breakfast, another for lunch, and finish out the day with yet another for dinner. From Germany’s Biergarten buffet with unlimited German options to the Nine Dragons Chinese Cuisine, to Morocco’s Tangerine Café quick service option, the United Kingdom’s Rose and Crown Pub, France’s Chef De France, or Italy’s Via Napoli, you have your pick of some of the absolute best restaurants on property right in EPCOT. In fact, there are many who say that the best steak available in all of Walt Disney World is served at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. And of course, there are American options too – whether it’s the futuristic surroundings of Space 220, where you can dine above the earth’s atmosphere, or the wonderful character antics of Chip, Dale, Farmer Mickey, and Pluto at the rotating Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion, or the Muppet-inspired, Sam the Eagle, Regal Eagle Barbeque over at the American Adventure Pavilion, you’re sure to find amazing food options to fit any palette in EPCOT.

#6 – The Festivals! EPCOT is known for having essentially continual festivals just about year-round with tapas-style food booths available not only around World Showcase, but even in Future World. Whether it’s the Festival of the Arts that runs from January through February, Flower and Garden Festival from mid-March through June, Food and Wine Festival that runs from mid-August to November, or the Festival of the Holidays that runs mid-November through beginning of January, you’ll find something to celebrate when you visit EPCOT. What’s more, is that the food and drink offerings are all inspired by various cultures from around the world – giving you cheap eat and drinks to enjoy while visiting EPCOT!

#5 – Future World! As I mentioned above, EPCOT is a combination of a world’s fair (World Showcase), and the futuristic elements that Walt wanted in his future city. Future World is broken into distinct areas including World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery and houses multiple attractions that are must-dos including: Spaceship Earth where guests can learn about the history of communication from the Stone Age to the Modern Age, Moana’s Journey of Water – a brand-new walk-through attraction that showcases how water influences life, Test Track – a fast-paced car attraction where guests can design their own vehicles and see how they perform in a testing environment, Soarin’ Around the World where guests can take flight in a hang-glider and soar above some of the world’s greatest landmarks, and even littler attractions like Living with the Land, Mission Space, Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment, and even the Pixar Short Film Festival. There is no shortage of attractions in Future World!

#4 – Edutainment! EPCOT utilizes a principle that dates back to Walt himself: Edutainment! That is, educate people with entertainment. And EPCOT is chalk-full of amazing attractions that can help not only your little ones, but also you, discover the world around them. The Seas with Nemo and Friends, while themed to Finding Nemo, is also part of a 5.7-million gallon saltwater aquarium! Living with the Land takes guests on a voyage through the greenhouses of EPCOT where cast members are finding new ways to grow, cultivate, and use food to be sustainable. In fact, many of the products they grow are used right in their Garden Grill restaurant! And, each of the countries around World Showcase have attractions, shops, dining, or other experiences that are unique to their culture. In fact, most countries are staffed with cast members or College Program interns from their host countries to deepen the culture they bring!

#3 – EPCOT Resort Area! Behind EPCOT sits the EPCOT resort area that is a short walking distance from the France Pavilion or a simple Friendship Boat ride away. In fact, you’ll find a fan-favorite, the Boardwalk which offers amazing views, fantastic dining, sensational shopping, and nighttime entertainment. It’s a miniature Disney Springs in many ways. You’ll find the Jelly Rolls piano bar, and even a dance club right on property! And the best part is, you don’t have to stay at any of the EPCOT area resorts to take part in this nightly entertainment. It’s a great place to spend your evening on your rest day or even on arrival day!

#2 – Modern IP Attractions! For the longest time, EPCOT resisted putting IP in the park, but over the years, it has found its way. In fact, 3 of the hottest attractions in not only EPCOT, but also all of Walt Disney World are based on modern IP that can be found right in the park. Frozen Ever After is found in the Norway Pavilion. Relive the story of the first Frozen movie and come into contact with Marshmallow, Olaf, Sven, Elsa, Anna, and even the Snowgies! Or head over to the France Pavilion to experience the 4D adventure of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! But of course, there is one massive IP that cannot be overlooked…

#1 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This built-from-scratch rollercoaster took over the space formerly occupied by Ellen’s Energy Adventure. In fact, that building now houses the JUST THE QUEUE for this attraction. Based on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the single best attraction on property in my opinion. Tasked with helping the Guardians avoid a universe-altering event, you are sent through outer space through “jump portals,” set to the soundtrack of 1 of 6 different songs. Moreover, it’s the first reverse-launch coaster in a Disney park and provides the single-smoothest ride you’ll ever experience. It is a ride like no other. As of April 2024, it does require a virtual queue to obtain, but this may become a regular standby line in the future.

Ready to Explore the World?

So – now you know why I highly recommend making EPCOT part of your vacation when visiting Walt Disney World. And if you’re ready to start planning, I can help at no extra cost to you. Visit www.caseywooley.com and start planning with me today by filling out my planning blueprint.