Disney's EPCOT Park

Step in to a World of imagination and innovation!

EPCOT will always be the only other park, after Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, which was the brain child of Walt Disney himself… partly. Its genesis goes back a long way and that is perhaps for another day, and while Walt may not have necessarily had a theme park in mind, his vision, imagination and passion for innovation and community lives on through EPCOT – his Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow.

We are welcomed to the park by its distinctive and iconic geodesic centrepiece, Spaceship Earth, which houses the recently reimagined journey through time and space - the perfect scene setter for what to expect in this remarkable park which will excite, entertain and educate in equal measure.

The park is then split in to two areas. The first, Future World, a nod to the evolution of technology and the exploration of space, science, the seas, the land and our Imagination. 

The second area is a feast for the eyes, ears and pallets of all culture vultures. A huge World’s Fair, the picturesque World Showcase is a 2.3 mile stroll around the world, through eleven pavilions of countries (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Morocco, USA, Japan, France, UK and Canada) all showcasing the finest each has to offer in shopping, dining, entertainment and history.

Like Magic Kingdom families may want to set aside two days for EPCOT for one early start to enjoy the attractions, and another day starting a bit later to take advantage of what World Showcase has to offer and enjoy the spectacular fireworks. 

EPCOT is the most spacious and exposed of all the parks so, while there is lots of open space to enjoy, wear comfortable shoes, keep hydrated and keep the sun screen handy.

Adventurous Attractions

Best rides for: 

Seeking thrills: Mission:Space, Future World East

Time to chill: Innoventions East and West

Character spots: Character Spot, Future World. 

Tiny tots: Turtle Talk with Crush – The Seas with Nemo Pavilion, Future World West

Smiles: The Seas With Nemo – future world west

Screams: Test Track – Future World East

Culture and history: Where do you start? Each pavilion in the World Showcase has its own enchanting story to tell, take some time to explore what each has to offer, trying out the attractions, the stores and sampling the food and drink of each for the ultimate inter-national experience. 

Tours and vips: Illuminations Sparkling Desert Party

The whole gang: Soarin’, The Land. Future World West.

Ending the night with a bang: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. World Showcase Lagoon

Disney Dining

Lunch – Tangerine Café, Moroccan Pavilion

Dinner – Le Cellier, Candaian Pavilion

Coffee and cake – The Joy of Tea at the Chinese Pavilion

Cocktail hour – Margaritas at the Mexican Pavilion 

Picnic area – Showcase Plaza

Quick bites – Promenade Refreshments, World Showcase

A Little extra magic

Epcot’s seasonal festivals add an extra splash of colour, music and flavour with the spring time Flower and Garden festival, autumn’s Food and Wine Festival and Holidays Around The World during the festive period, when one of the highlights is when stars turn out as guest narrators for the enchanting Candlelight Processional, not to be missed if visiting around the holidays.

For something a bit different The best way to see EPCOT is to travel to the park by monorail, which will give you a fantastic view of all areas of the park in futuristic style. Similarly a short walk or boat ride from the International Gateway will take you to EPCOT resorts and Boardwalk, which is well worth taking time out your day to explore, or as an alternative option for evening entertainment if you would like to escape the crowds of the park.

Future dreams

Great news for all Soarin’ fans as the attraction will soon be reimagined to not only cover the sights, sounds and smells of California but will take in some of the greatest natural and manmade wonders of the world, to debut at Disney’s Californian Adventure before making its way to EPCOT later in 2016. Soarin’ will close for refurbishment at EPCOT in January 2016. 

The Norway Pavilion where Maelstrom was previously located will be transformed in to Ardenelle for a Winter Festival in Summer in this new ‘Frozen’ themed area where there will be a meet and greet with a host of characters from the movie, and a new attraction, set to open in the Summer of 2016.