Epcot was added to Walt Disney World in 1982. It has 2 lands (or worlds really) within it. Future World and World Showcase.
- Future World opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm. World Showcase opens at 11 am and closes at 9 pm.
- Don’t follow the masses. It’s common human nature to go with the crowds. Take a moment to look at all your options. A lot of time people will all be headed to one turnstile and there will be a long line, while there are 3 open turnstiles on your left hand side that people aren’t using. So keep your eyes open. If you can go left, go left! (Everyone else will be going right).
- Security will check your bags. To make this process faster, open all compartments before you reach the security guard. They will appreciate it.
- When you are going through security, there are always 2 lines. One on the left side of the table and one on the right. The security guards are trained to take a guest from the left and then take a guest from the right. Again, the masses will all be lining up in one line, since you know this tip go ahead and go to the opposite side. He won’t look at you like you’ve grown 2 heads. I promise!
- There is no rope drop show at Epcot, but there will be characters near the entrance eager to meet you.
- There are 2 entrances to Epcot. The main front entrance and an entrance referred to as the International Gateway in World Showcase.
Future World
Future World is home to the most popular rides at Epcot – Soarin’ and Test Track. This land opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm, however Soarin’ and Test Track remain open until 9 pm.
These are hands on exhibits in 2 separate buildings. Most people make a beeline for it early in the morning, try touring it around 4 or 5 in the evening.
Innoventions East
- Kids under 6 will have the most fun in Innoventions East
Innovations West
- Be sure to stop by Icestation Cool and taste Coke products from around the world. (Hint: Stay away from Beverly but trick your family into trying it)
- Stop by the IBM exhibit to send free e-mail postcards personalized with your photo.
- Stop by Internet Zone and record a 30 second video and send it to friends and family.
- Mickey and his friends meet in the character spot from 9 am to 9 pm. The line is short in the morning while everyone is racing to Soarin’ and Test Track.
Disney World is the Most Magical Place On Earth. Be sure to learn how to make the most of your trip by reading the Disney World Training series. You can also browse all the articles I have written in an easy to use outline. And if you are ready to book your trip, be sure to read about the perks of using an authorized Disney vacation planner (plus it’s FREE!).
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
i love epcot–i’m glad they’re making it more kid-friendly!
Thank You! I’m adding this to my notes.
Ever been on the Disney cruise?
No. :(
Disney Visa Card holders get a personal meet and greet with some characters inside Innoventions (West I believe). You have to show your Disney Visa card to get in.
Also, for those of you who may Geocache (google it if you don’t know what it is or go to http://www.geocaching.com), there are some virtual geocaches at the Disney Parks…one of them near Innoventions! : )
We were there last week and spent 2 days in epcot. Both days, Soarin fast passes were out by noon. I would suggest getting a fast pass as soon as you can for that one. The lines are very long and it’s a ride everyone who meets the height requirements will love. We got lucky to get a fast pass and still had to stand in line for 30 minutes. But it’s a great ride!!!
Although Future World officially closes at 7:00, Soarin’, Mission Space and Test Track are usually open until the park closes. After 7:00 is usually a real good time to ride these rides.
Usually in the evenings most guests are in the World Showcase (which is why Future World closes at 7:00) so you can find short lines at these busy attractions. (Usually.)
Just got back from DW and had a fabulous time at Epcot! My girls (6&9) love it – DO NOT MISS Turtle Talk with Crush! It’s great! And I agree with the Soarin strategy of Fastpassing that one first thing in the morning in order to ensure you can ride. If you’re going on a hot day, consider having the kids wear bathing suits. There are several water spraying stations and the kids can’t get enough of them and end up soaking wet!
There is a short rope drop ceremony at Epcot. If you go under Spaceship Earth, Cast Members, managers and the Fab Five are there to entertain the crowd and countdown the last 10 seconds before opening. The characters then make their way to Character Spot, and sometimes the First Family gets a photo with all five at once. This sometimes happens with the Last Family at Character Spot, as well.
My kids love to get the little passports and have people from those countries sign or leave a message for them in thier native language. They also have the kidspots(I think that is what they are called) where the kids can collect tags on a mask that they make at all the countires (and now I believe some of the pavilions in future world). The boys all liked doing those. My favorite thing about EPCOT is the FOOD! We have gone during the food and wine festival the last 2 times and loved it. You can use snack credits on the dining plans for some of the items to taste in the booths. As long as the item is $4 or less. Also if you like alcoholic drinks (and some days with 4 kids and my parents on vacation with me I need a couple) I highly recommend the Grand Marnier slush in Paris..OMG the best drink! Just wish they sold them on each side of the park becasue I ran out by time I got to Germany! Cannot wait until I can go with just my husband and I and actually take the time to really enjoy this park!