Epcot Touring Plan For Walt Disney World

To avoid the lines, you might consider having a Epcot Touring Plan for Walt Disney World. Here are some of our best tips…

I know like most people you have an idea what you like to do when you head to the Disney Parks. Most people try to squeeze out a couple rides on the the Big Name Attractions before the park really gets busy. Some people just go with the flow of people around the park. Other people buy guide books that teach them how to avoid the lines, I am going to show you mine for FREE!

Recently someone asked me if I had an Touring Plan for the Disney Parks. Do I have certain rides I go on first, or do I have any tools I use in assisting in my park planning. Being the Disney Nerd I am I do have a Attack Plan for all 4 Disney Parks that I am going to write about over the next few weeks.

This week I am going to talk about Epcot and over the past 50+ visits to the park I have a set way of going around the park. I am not a big fan of crowds, nor am I a fan of lines. Most times when I goto Disney it is during the slow season. I have gone at Spring Break, July 4th and the other holidays when it has been super busy. The only time I have never gone was during Christmas. It doesn’t really matter when you go there are going to be people there and I think I have only experienced an empty park back in the early 90′s, most other times it is moderately busy.

Sleep In

I stated off the last article about the Magic Kingdom by saying “Get there early.” Epcot unfortunately is not a park you can get there early, unless they have Extra Magic Hours. Most days Epcot is going to open at 9am and World Showcase around 11am. Our last trip we made breakfast reservations at Akershus Princess Storybook Dining around 8am, which I think is the perfect time to eat and hit the rides just when the park opens.

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Start off slow

While most people want to run and jump on test track when the park opens again we avoid the biggest attraction an opt for something else entirely. My family and I are big fans of the ocean and Nemo so we start off at The Living Seas with Nemo & Friends. Its a very relaxing ride and helps digest your breakfast nicely. We love getting our pictures taken with Bruce and checking out all the sea life. If you have little ones with you be sure to stop by and do Turtle Talk with Crush.

Have your child sit on the very front row to interact with Crush, also something identifiable like a hat seems to get Crush’s attention.

Off to The Land

Next door to the seas is “The Land” and our next stop “Soarin.” I suggest riding Soarin twice in a row cause later in the day you will see some of the longest lines for this ride. Avoid Living with the Land for now and head up to Imagination.

Journey to Imagination

I am a fan of the Journey to Imagination ride so its a must for us. Some people dislike that ride and avoid it at all cost. That I leave up to you. Again avoid Captain Eo (Honey I shrunk the Audience) for now.

Take 3

At this point most of the Rope Drop people will have been on Test Track once maybe twice so now is your chance to get in there. Your food should be well digested and ready for some excitement. Hit Test Track up first and then if your ok with spinning rides visit Mission to Mars next. If your still full from breakfast head down to Energy and check out your first show. Be prepared its a 45 minute show.

There are restrooms on your way to Test Track if you look on your park map for the exact location.

World Showcase Opens

If you timed it right World Showcase is now open, and it should be warming up in Epcot. Now is a good time for a pitstop before heading out to World Showcase. Club Cool is a great place to sample free Pop from around the world.

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If your a little early still or skipped a few rides head to Spaceship Earth or get some Autographs/Pictures at the Disney Character Meet & Greet. Tooling around in Innoventions is fun but we usually do that later in the day.

Once world showcase opens head directly to Norway first. The Maelstrom is another ride that is going to have some seriously long lines. We skip the Norway show after the ride like most people.

Around the World

After Norway we double back and visit one of my favorite places in Epcot..Mexico. Grand Fiesta Tour is a great boat ride and hardly ever busy. If your hungry stop off at San Angel Inn for lunch or if you have little ones stop by the Kidcot Station and start your fun journey around the world.

Kidcot is free and is a lot of fun for little ones. Our daughters mask is up on her wall minus the paint stick of course :) There is a Kidcot station in every pavilion.

Take off Eh

We like to start in Canada and go counter clockwise around the World Showcase. You can leave Mexico and go clockwise if you want. The choice is yours.

Take your time and enjoy the stroll

The world showcase is a place you want to relax and enjoy. There is no need to rush, just take your time and explore everything you can. The food in each of the pavilions are some of the best at Walt Disney World. It usally takes us the better part of the day to walk all the way around Epcot. We make sure to stop at all the shows, attractions, and little shops that are available.

Another great stop for little ones is in Japan. Our little one loved Miyuki theJapanese Candy Artist. Be sure to stand near her so she can ask your favorite animal.

Take a boat ride

As your feet get sore from walking around Epcot we find a riding the boat from Epcot to Hollywood Studios and back again is great for relaxing or letting little ones nap. I myself have fallen asleep a few times on board for a few minutes.

Refreshed and ready to go

After the boat ride and a recharging of our batteries we are ready to go again. At this point it is getting close to dinner. We like to have an early dinner to avoid the crowds. There are some Good Eats in Epcot so depending on what kinda of food your in the mood for its just a short walk away.

If you are a late eater you will want to skip the boat ride and move onto this next area.

Fast Pass Time

Depending on what your feel like riding this is where some strategy comes into play. This late in the day there is going to be lines for everything. Pick a ride that has a long line and go get a fast pass for it. Now with Fast Pass in hand go back to The Land and take in the Living with the Land, Captain EO, and any other shows you might have missed. You can head over to Innoventions and play with all the cool exhibits they have there. Basically you are killing time till your fast pass is ready.

Do some shopping or Pin Trading near the rotary in the center of the plaza. Its a great inexpensive hobby and perfect souvenirs to take home with you.

Illuminations

Around this time it should be getting dark and the last thing you will want to do is watch Illuminations. Seating is up to you as there is no bad seat.

Depending on which way the wind is blowing be sure to sit up wind so the smoke doesnt blow on you from the fireworks.

Time to head home

Wow that was a busy day now go back to your room and relax.

Well that is our attack plan for Epcot. How do you tour Epcot? Have any tips or tricks to share? Let us know in the comment section below.

When Chip isn’t busy planning Disney World vacations he blogs about Disney News, Food, and Views on his website Chip and Company. Check them out for more great Disney Tips & Tricks!

Check out the Magic Kingdom Touring Plan.

Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.