The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow ~ EPCOT
Originally a concept by Walt Disney to be a new real city which would be a blueprint of the future and develop new ideas for urban living. After Walt's death in 1966 the idea was deemed too risky and after being shelved for a while it was reincarnated as the EPCOT theme park opening in 1982 with a Future World area and a World Showcase.
Currently EPCOT is going through a big change, with new rides and attractions being built, as well as old ones being knocked down, so when you visit, certain areas may be out of bounds while they make the changes.
Future World - Now split into World Celebration, World Nature & World Discovery
This area is at the front of the park and is made of different pavilions, each housing different rides and attractions. Front and centre is the park's iconic landmark, Spaceship Earth - the large geodesic sphere which many refer to as "the golf ball"! The rides and attractions in these areas are:
World Celebration
Spaceship Earth
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the EPCOT Experience
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
World Discovery
Mission: SPACE
Test Track
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
World Nature
Awesome Planet
Soarin' Around the World
Living with the Land
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
SeaBase
The three big rides that I think everyone should go on are Guardians of the Galaxy, Soarin' and Test Track, all three are quite different, but all are great rides - Guardians is definitely the best coaster in Walt Disney World (in my opinion). Currently to ride Guardians of the Galaxy you need to obtain a boarding pass using the Disney app at 7am or 1pm on the day. Mission: Space comes in two levels of intensity, for many I would suggest going for the Green Mission first and then if you think that was easy, then try the Orange Mission for something more intense! Living with the Land is great for finding hidden Mickey's, so keep your eyes peeled. My girls love Journey Into Imagination with Figment, there is just something about that little purple dragon and his song.
World Showcase
The World Showcase is currently made up of 11 pavilions, each is themed to represent a specific country and contains shops, bars and restaurants with items representing that countries culture and cuisine. Each of the pavilions is staffed only by citizens of that country, starting clockwise from the left you have:-
Mexico
Here you will find the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros ride.
Norway
Transformed a few years ago into the home of the Frozen Ever After ride as well as Anna and Elsa's Royal Sommerhus (meet & greet).
China
You can watch the Reflections of China 360 degree film and have the chance of meeting Mulan.
Germany
Meet Snow White and watch the trains at the Miniature Railroad Garden.
Italy
Apart from the usual shops, restaurants and architecture etc there are no rides or character meet and greets in Italy.
America
Here you will find The American Adventure show, the American Heritage Gallery and American Gardens Theatre.
Japan
Similar to Italy in that there are no rides or character meet and greets, but the large store is run by Mitsukoshi, a large Japanese department store business rather than by Disney.
Morocco
Meet Princess Jasmine and if you are lucky Aladdin may also be there.
France
Watch Impressions De France which is projected across 5 screens giving a 200 degree view. Meet Belle and Princess Aurora. France is home to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, a ride like the one in Disneyland Paris, it is a great fun ride. There is also a Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long with a twist in the tale we all know.
United Kingdom
Here you can meet Mary Poppins or a Wonderland character (usually Alice). They did announced they will be adding a Mary Poppins attraction, but since Covid talk has gone very quiet on this possible addition.
Canada
Here you can watch Canada Far and Wide, a 360 degree film about Canada which was updated recently.
Kidcot Fun Stops
Each of the countries has a Kidcot Fun Stop, at the first stop that you visit you can get a free Epcot Kidcot Fun Stop Ziploc Suitcase which you use to collect free travelers cards from each of the countries. Each card has a fact about the country and on the reverse a scene for colouring. In some countries the Cast Member will even show you how to spell your name in that countries language or give out stickers.
Click here to download a map of EPCOT
Originally a concept by Walt Disney to be a new real city which would be a blueprint of the future and develop new ideas for urban living. After Walt's death in 1966 the idea was deemed too risky and after being shelved for a while it was reincarnated as the EPCOT theme park opening in 1982 with a Future World area and a World Showcase.
Currently EPCOT is going through a big change, with new rides and attractions being built, as well as old ones being knocked down, so when you visit, certain areas may be out of bounds while they make the changes.
Future World - Now split into World Celebration, World Nature & World Discovery
This area is at the front of the park and is made of different pavilions, each housing different rides and attractions. Front and centre is the park's iconic landmark, Spaceship Earth - the large geodesic sphere which many refer to as "the golf ball"! The rides and attractions in these areas are:
World Celebration
Spaceship Earth
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the EPCOT Experience
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
World Discovery
Mission: SPACE
Test Track
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
World Nature
Awesome Planet
Soarin' Around the World
Living with the Land
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
SeaBase
The three big rides that I think everyone should go on are Guardians of the Galaxy, Soarin' and Test Track, all three are quite different, but all are great rides - Guardians is definitely the best coaster in Walt Disney World (in my opinion). Currently to ride Guardians of the Galaxy you need to obtain a boarding pass using the Disney app at 7am or 1pm on the day. Mission: Space comes in two levels of intensity, for many I would suggest going for the Green Mission first and then if you think that was easy, then try the Orange Mission for something more intense! Living with the Land is great for finding hidden Mickey's, so keep your eyes peeled. My girls love Journey Into Imagination with Figment, there is just something about that little purple dragon and his song.
World Showcase
The World Showcase is currently made up of 11 pavilions, each is themed to represent a specific country and contains shops, bars and restaurants with items representing that countries culture and cuisine. Each of the pavilions is staffed only by citizens of that country, starting clockwise from the left you have:-
Mexico
Here you will find the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros ride.
Norway
Transformed a few years ago into the home of the Frozen Ever After ride as well as Anna and Elsa's Royal Sommerhus (meet & greet).
China
You can watch the Reflections of China 360 degree film and have the chance of meeting Mulan.
Germany
Meet Snow White and watch the trains at the Miniature Railroad Garden.
Italy
Apart from the usual shops, restaurants and architecture etc there are no rides or character meet and greets in Italy.
America
Here you will find The American Adventure show, the American Heritage Gallery and American Gardens Theatre.
Japan
Similar to Italy in that there are no rides or character meet and greets, but the large store is run by Mitsukoshi, a large Japanese department store business rather than by Disney.
Morocco
Meet Princess Jasmine and if you are lucky Aladdin may also be there.
France
Watch Impressions De France which is projected across 5 screens giving a 200 degree view. Meet Belle and Princess Aurora. France is home to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, a ride like the one in Disneyland Paris, it is a great fun ride. There is also a Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long with a twist in the tale we all know.
United Kingdom
Here you can meet Mary Poppins or a Wonderland character (usually Alice). They did announced they will be adding a Mary Poppins attraction, but since Covid talk has gone very quiet on this possible addition.
Canada
Here you can watch Canada Far and Wide, a 360 degree film about Canada which was updated recently.
Kidcot Fun Stops
Each of the countries has a Kidcot Fun Stop, at the first stop that you visit you can get a free Epcot Kidcot Fun Stop Ziploc Suitcase which you use to collect free travelers cards from each of the countries. Each card has a fact about the country and on the reverse a scene for colouring. In some countries the Cast Member will even show you how to spell your name in that countries language or give out stickers.
Click here to download a map of EPCOT