Epcot is one of the 4 main theme parks at Disney World. Read 8 things no one tells guests about Epcot. This is a must read, especially if this is your first time visit.
1. Festivals
Epcot has 4 yearly Festivals. Chances are if you’re visiting Epcot, you are walking into a Festival as well. The best thing about Festivals at Epcot is they are included with the cost of your Epcot park ticket. These festivals bring extra food and fun to the park, such as playground areas for children, live performances and more.
- International Festival of the Arts – January into February
- International Flower & Garden Festival – March into May
- International Food & Wine Festival – August into November
- International Festival of the Holidays – November into December
2. Rides
Epcot has over 30 attractions, however under 10 that are actual rides. Epcot is a full day park, with much to explore, however it is not filled with thrilling attractions. Epcot does contain a few favorites though, such as Test Track, Soarin’ Around The World and Frozen Ever After (Norway). Other rides include: Gran Fiesta Tour (Mexico), Journey into Imagination with figment, Living with the Land, Mission: Space, The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Spaceship Earth.
3. Epcot Tiers
Speaking of rides, they are tiered at Epcot. This means guests can choose 1 from Tier 1 and 2 from Tier 2 for advance Fastpass+ selection.
- Tier 1 (Choose 1): Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, Test Track or Epcot Forever
- Tier 2 (Choose 2): Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, Journey into Imagination with Figment, Living with the Land, Mission: Space, Spaceship Earth, The Sea with Nemo & Friends or Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Two Parts
Epcot is an acronym that stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt Disney himself imagined it as a living city. However years later, instead of a city, Imagineers decided to fulfill Walt’s wishes with 2 parts, World Showcase and Future World. World Showcase is a place where each country can permanently showcase its unique food, culture and more. Future World combines free enterprise and technologies of the future.
5. Dining Plan Snack Credits
For guests on the dining plan, make sure to save snacks credits to use at Epcot. The Festivals at Epcot bring additional food kitchens for guests to purchase. Most items on the menu are redeemable for a snack credit! Therefore use your snack credits to taste your way around the world. Be sure to look for the complimentary Festival Passport, allowing guests to check off each country/snack they try.
6. Souvenirs
Each Disney Parks offers shop and souvenirs. However, the World Showcase offer shops and merchandise unique to that country, therefore not found elsewhere at Disney World. The World Showcase and each country are fun to explore and shop. A favorite souvenir can be found in the Japan Pavilion, Pick A Pearl. Looking for a frugal souvenir from each country? Consider a Pressed Penny from around the World.
7. Dining Reservations At The World Showcase
Epcot is home to many restaurants worthy of an advance dining reservation. The World Showcase in particular is unique with each pavilion offering different flavors. There is something for everyone. Read my top picks below.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion)
- Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion)
- Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion)
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion)
8. Cost To Drink Around The World
For those over 21, consider ‘Drinking around the World’. To ensure you make it to all 11 countries, bring a friend or many to share each drink. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, pace yourself and grab a snack or 2 in between. Read the Cost To Drink Around The World At Disney’s Epcot.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
Your blog has been the most helpful blog about Epcot that I have read. Thank you for this.