EPCOT at Walt Disney World is an incredible park full of exciting attractions, great food and drink and the iconic World Showcase. With an emphasis on technology and culture, there are lots of fun ways to learn and explore. For longer trips or local visits, we recommend slowing down and enjoying some of EPCOT's hidden gems. But if you're only visiting for a short trip, we've listed the rides, experiences and foods and drinks you won't want to miss at EPCOT!
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Not-to-Miss Rides at EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
EPCOT's newest ride is toadally out-of-this-world! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an epic coaster that brings revolutionary technology and immersive storytelling to a whole new level. Featuring the first-ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster, seats that rotate 360 degrees, an awesome soundtrack and, of course, the Guardians (Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Drax and Rocket all make appearances), you've got the recipe for a thrilling adventure as you help the Guardians save the galaxy.
The height requirement for this coaster is 42 inches or taller. Note that this popular attraction may be utilizing a virtual queue, so you'll need to join a boarding group in order to have a chance to ride, or purchase a Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
While on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, guests are shrunk down to Chef Remy's size and travel through Gusteau's restaurant in an exciting 4D experience. The ride vehicles run through a trackless system, similar to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With no height requirements, this whimsical ride is fun for all ages!
Frozen Ever After
Even after all these years, the "Frozen" popularity is still going strong. Set sail to Arendelle on this slow-moving boat ride as the ride takes you through fun moments from the first film, complete with all our favorite songs! Frozen After Ever is also a perfect way to cool off. Though no longer EPCOT's newest ride, Frozen Ever After is still very popular, but wait times are a bit more manageable in the morning or at night. It's also available through the Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass. There are no height requirements, so all princes and princesses can enjoy this fun musical attraction.
Soarin' Around the World
As a frog favorite, Soarin' Around the World takes you on an immersive aerial experience as you glide through incredible sights. Journey around the world with a larger-than-life screen, tranquil music and sweet scents. This ride is one of our family's go-to's when we're at EPCOT! The height requirement for Soarin' is 40 inches or taller.
Test Track
Who's ready for a thrilling test drive? Test Track takes your vehicle through twists and turns and even reaches up to 65 miles per hour! Design your own virtual concept car in the queue and see how your design performs. The height requirement for Test Track is 40 inches or taller. Teens and adults will love this one (and we highly recommend the Single Riders line to cut down on wait times). This attraction will shut down for inclement weather, so if it's a priority, we suggest riding in the morning before possible afternoon showers (particularly in the summer). As of June 2024, Test Track is undergoing a lengthy refurbishment — a reopening date is unknown at this time.
Not-to-Miss Experiences at EPCOT
Luminous The Symphony of Us
You'll definitely want to end your day enjoying an incredible fireworks display around World Showcase Lagoon. Luminous The Symphony of Us debuted in December 2023, and focuses on how connected we all are, just like with the symphony of music. Grab your tissues! The show takes you through the journey of life, love and loss, accompanied by two original songs and many Disney ballads such as "You'll Be in My Heart" and "Remember Me." Check out our best viewing areas to watch EPCOT fireworks post so you know exactly where to stake out a spot!
International Festivals
EPCOT is most known for its renowned festivals. Taking place throughout the year, guests can enjoy EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. These festivals offer themed merchandise and activities, live entertainment and delicious food and drink from around the world. Be sure to check out each one's exclusive offerings!
Live Entertainment
Not just offered during the festivals, EPCOT has plenty of regular live entertainment to enjoy. Near the front of the park, rock out to the JAMMitors and their funky percussion sounds. At the brand-new CommuniCore Plaza, enjoy the limited-time show, ¡Celebración Encanto!, inspired by "Encanto," now showing through Sept. 6, 2024.
As you walk around World Showcase, enjoy wonderful authentic entertainment in the country pavilions. In Mexico, dance along with the iconic Mariachi Cobre band. In the American Adventure pavilion, be swept away by the beautiful Voices of Liberty. Witness the Matisuriza drummers in Japan, be thoroughly entertained by the Sergio juggler in Italy, and hear bands play in the United Kingdom and in Canada. Grab some food and drink and enjoy some talented entertainment!
Character Sightings
EPCOT has quite a variety of characters to meet. At CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, you can meet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy at their new greeting spot. Make a wish with Asha from "Wish" at the World Showcase Friendship Ambassador Gazebo. One of our favorites is seeing Winnie the Pooh in Christopher Robin's Room in the U.K. pavilion.
Did you know you can meet Disney princesses in their countries of origin? Meet Anna and Elsa in Norway, Mulan in China, Snow White in Germany, Jasmine in Morocco, Belle and Aurora in France, as well as Alice in the United Kingdom. Moana can also be found near her attraction, Journey of Water. It's a perfect backdrop to meet your favorite characters!
World Showcase Details
EPCOT's World Showcase is an incredible opportunity to learn more about different cultures and experience snippets of a variety of countries. Many of the pavilions go much further back beyond the main path and have lots of hidden details. It truly feels like you're wandering the market alleys of Morocco or strolling through the English gardens of the United Kingdom. We strongly encourage taking the time to truly explore the countries — we still discover new elements! Also, we love talking to the Cultural Representatives to learn more about their country. Check out our guide for navigating World Showcase with kids for even more great ways to enjoy all that World Showcase has to offer!
Not-to-Miss Food and Drink at EPCOT
Connections Eatery
EPCOT's newest restaurant offers a much-needed, quick-service option in the front half of the park. Located between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Creations Shop, Connections Eatery serves up tasty dishes for lunch and dinner. There are plenty of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and salads to choose from. Then, treat yourself to one of the signature milkshakes, such as the Mango-Coconut or Apple Pie Gelato. There's an abundance of indoor seating, and the restaurant is typically open until 9 p.m., providing a great late option for flexible schedules.
Festival Booths
Remember those amazing festivals we mentioned earlier? Well, the main highlights are the food and drink booths! Every year, we can hardly wait for the foodie guides to be released. There will be nearly 20 festival food booths throughout the park. With small portions, you can test your way around World Showcase. Where else can you eat and drink around the world, all in one day? Be sure to grab a festival guide for a list of menus.
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Located in the United Kingdom pavilion, Rose & Crown Dining Room is a classic British pub and restaurant. This frog-favorite, table-service restaurant serves up delicious specialties, including fish and chips, bangers and mash, and more, as well as kid-friendly options. There is indoor seating, as well as a patio offering up a great view of World Showcase Lagoon. There is often a pianist providing live entertainment. You can also walk up to the Pub side for drinks and small appetizers, such as the classic fish and chips.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Head over to Italy to Via Napoli for tasty pizzas, pastas and salads. The table-service restaurant offers high-quality pizzas, made fresh from a wood-burning oven. The large and Mezzo Metro pizzas are huge — perfect for splitting between small families or groups. And keep an eye out for the pizza window near the restaurant that's available seasonally and offers individual slices. Yum!
Club Cool
Did you know you can try samples of Coca-Cola flavors from around the world? (And did we mention it's free!) Club Cool at EPCOT offers up a variety of flavors to enjoy at no extra cost. Located next to Creations Shop, taste-test flavors and shop for some Coca-Cola beverages and merchandise. We love stopping here to start our visit. Anyone up for the Beverly?
What's on your not-to-miss at EPCOT list? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: The Frog Family's Top 5 EPCOT Hidden Gems
Hoppy planning!
