Let's go to Epcot!

 Welcome to Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, as Walt Disney envisioned it! He originally intended it to be a fully functioning, self-sustaining community of the future. Today, Epcot is split into two main sections: World Showcase and World Celebration. Let's explore some of the highlights of Epcot. 

World Showcase

In World Showcase, you can visit 11 countries, each offering authentic food and character meet-and-greets with characters from that country. Let's take a tour of the attractions. 

Mexico Pavilion

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: This relaxing boat ride takes you on a journey through Mexico, showcasing vibrant scenes inspired by the country's culture and heritage. The Three Caballeros- Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito- are your guides through this colourful adventure. It's a charming ride with music and lively visuals. No drops or scary moments, making it a perfect attraction for families with young children. 
• Dining & Shopping: The Mexico pavilion also features a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, nachos, and margaritas. The inside of the pavilion has a beautiful Mexican marketplace, with traditional crafts and textiles.
• Meet the Three Caballeros: You can meet Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito in the Mexico pavilion. These three colourful characters from the Gran Fiesta Tour are available for meet-and-greets in the pavilion. 

Norway Pavilion

• Frozen Ever After: This boat ride takes you on a whimsical adventure through Arendelle, where you'll encounter Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and other beloved characters from Frozen. While it's mostly gentle, there is a small drop that might surprise some younger guests, but nothing too intense. The enchanting music from Frozen fills the air, making this ride one of Epcot's most popular. 
• Anna & Elsa Meet-and-Greet: This is the only place in Disney World where you can meet both Anna and Elsa! It's a magical experience for Frozen fans, and the backdrop of Arendelle adds to the charm. 

China Pavilion

• Circle-vision 360: This 14-minute film provides a sweeping view of China's rich history and culture, taking you from the ancient wonders of the Great Wall to the bustling streets of modern-day cities. The 360-degree viewing experience makes it feel imersive. 
• Mulan Meet-and-Greet: Mulan is available for meet-and-greets in her pavilion, where guests can pose for photos with the courageous warrior princess. The China pavilion also has a fantastic selection of Chinese-inspired gifts and artwork. 

Germany Pavilion

• Meet-and-Greet with Snow White: Snow White is often found in the Germany pavilion, surrounded by the picturesque architecture that looks like it's right out of a fairy tale. 
• Dining & Shopping: Guests can enjoy hearty German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel, as well as a selection of German beers. While there's no official ride here, it's one of the most charming pavilions with beautiful gardens and a serene atmosphere. 

Italy Pavilion

• Entertainment: While the Italy pavilion doesn't have a big attraction, it features beautiful Venetian-style canals and street performances. During the day, there's often live music, opera performances, and traditional Italian entertainment to enjoy. 
• Dining & Shopping: Known for its pasta, pizza, and gelato, this pavilion has some of the best dining options in World Showcase. The shopping includes Italian leather goods, Murano glass, and designer fashion. 

United States Pavilion

• The American Adventure: This 30-minute, audio-visual extravaganza takes guests on a historical journey through the U.S., with animated figures like Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, as well as a large screen that shows key moments in American History. The attraction is patriotic and educational, and many guests find it inspiring. 
• Voices of Liberty: Before the American Adventure, you can enjoy a beautiful acapella performance by the Voices of Liberty, a group that sings a range of traditional American songs in the rotunda. Their harmonies are world-class and a highlight for many guests. 

Japan Pavilion

• Matsuriza Taiko Drummers: Guests can experience traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances, which are both rhythmic and visually striking. These live performances offer a glimpse into Japanese culture. 
• Dining & Shopping: The Japan pavilion offers sushi, ramen, and unique Japanese desserts. The shopping features authentic Japanese goods, including kimonos, pottery, and Japanese snacks.

Morocco Pavilion

• Theater in the Round: This pavilion offers a cultural presentation in a traditional Moroccan-style theater. The performances focus on Moroccan culture, music, and dance. 
• Dining & Shopping: Enjoy Moroccan cuisine such as couscous, kebabs, and baklava. The shopping includes traditional Moroccan items like handmade jewelry, textiles, and pottery. 

France

• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure: This 4D dark ride allows guests to shrink down to the size of Remy, the rat from Ratatouille, and scurry through a kitchen full of culinary chaos. The ride uses 3D visuals and sensory effects to bring the world of the movie to life. It's an exciting, immersive experience for all ages. 
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along: In the French cinema, guests can enjoy a sing-along to some of the most beloved songs from Beauty and the Beast. It's an interactive and fun way to relive the movie's magic. 
• Impressions de France: For a more relaxing experience,  Impressions de France is an 18-minute film that showcases the breathtaking landscapes and culture of France, offering an enchanting visual tour of the country.
• Dining & Shopping: France offers amazing pastries, crepes, and gourmet French food in its various restaurants, and the pavilion is home to an array of shops featuring fine wines, perfume, and French fashion.  
• Meet & Greets: In the France pavilion, guests can meet Belle and Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Their meet-and-greet is typically set in front of the French-inspired castle backdrop, making it extra magical. Occasionally, Remy from Ratatouille can also be found meeting guests near the ride. 

United Kingdom Pavilion 

• The British Revolution: A live music performance featuring a Beatles tribute band, "The British Revolution," plays classic Beatles hits in the outdoor pavilion. 
• Dining & Shopping: Guests can enjoy traditional British fare like fish and chips, meat pies, and British ales. Shopping includes English tea, merchandise with UK-inspired themes, and fine china. 
• Character Meet & Greet: Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins both make appearances here, often in their own sections of the pavilion. you can meet them for an enchanting photo opportunity. On occasion you can also find Winnie the Pooh instead of Mary Poppins or Alice. 

Canada Pavilion

• Canada Far and Wide: The 360-degree film Canada Far and Wide offers breathtaking views of the country's national parks, cities, and natural beauty. It's a visually stunning experience, and many guests are amazed by the film's depiction of Canada
• Dining & Shopping: The Canada Pavilion offers hearty Canadian cuisine, including poutine, maple treats, and craft beers. It also features a beautiful garden area where guests can relax.

World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature  

 

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

• The Ride: This whimsical journey takes guests through the imagination labs with Figment, the mischievous purple dragon, ,who guides you through different sensory experiments. It's a fun and lighthearted experience, perfect for families with young children. There's no height requirement, so everyone can enjoy it. 
• Fun Factor: The ride encourages creativity and curiosity, making it an excellent stop for guests looking for something fun and unique.
  

Soarin'

• The Ride: Soarin' is a hang-gliding simulator that takes you over some of the world's most iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and the Serengeti. It's a breathtaking, immersive experience with a great soundtrack. 
• Height Requirement: You need to be 40 inches or taller to ride. It's a great choice for those looking for an exciting but not too intense attraction.
  
  

Living with the Land

• The Ride: This slow boat ride takes you through Epcot's greenhouses, showcasing innovative farming techniques and sustainable agriculture. It's a peaceful, educational experience that's perfect for guests looking for a break from the fast-paced attractions. 
• Why You Should Ride: It's often overlooked, but the boat ride offers a unique glimpse into the future of farming and the environment. Plus, the greenhouses are home to some fascinating plant varieties. 
  

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

• The Ride: This gentle boat ride takes you on a journey through the ocean as you search for Nemo. Along the way, you'll encounter other characters from Finding Nemo, like Dory, Marlin, and Crush the sea turtle. 
• Aquarium: After the ride, guests can explore SeaBase, the pavilion's enormous aquarium, which houses a variety of sea life. Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive show, is also a hit for families.  

NEW!!!! Journey of Water, inspired by Moana

• The Experience: This newly opened outdoor attraction invites guests to explore the power of water through a lush and interactive trail. Inspired by Moana, it allows guests to discover water's importance to the world, while enjoying fun water-based elements that engage the environment. 

Spaceship Earth 

• The Ride: This iconic Epcot attraction takes you on a journey through the history of human communication, from the Stone Age to modern times. It's a slow-moving ride inside the giant geodesic sphere that serves as Epcot's symbol. 
• What's Special: The ride is informative and thought-provoking, with stunning visuals and a moving storyline that showcases humanity's progress. 
• Meet and Greets: Mickey and Friends can be found around the entrance to Epcot (Spaceship Earth), especially during special events or festivals. 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

• The Ride: This high-speed indoor roller coaster is an intergalactic adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy. It features a unique storyline, a rotating coaster vehicle, ,and thrilling music. Guests can experience a high-energy chase through space, making it one of Epcot's most exciting new attractions. 
• Height Requirement: You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride. This is definitely for thrill-seekers looking for a high-adrenaline experience! 
• Meet and Greet: Star-Lord and Gamora- as you approach the ride there is a meet-and-greet off to the right hand side. As this is a newer attraction the characters may change as they settle into regular operations of the ride. 

Test Track

• The Ride: In Test Track, guests can design their own concept car, then take it through a series of tests on a thrilling ride that simulates high-speed track tests. The ride ends with a fast-paced outdoor section, where guests experience speeds up to 65 miles per hour. 
• Height Requirement: You must be at least 40 inches tall to enjoy this high-energy attraction. 

Mission: SPACE

• The Ride: Mission:SPACE is a space-themed simulator that takes guests on a high intensity journey to Mars. The ride mimics the feeling of a NASA space launch, where you're part of a crew on a mission to land on Mars. 
• Two Versions:
• Orange Mission: The more intense version simulates a real space mission, with g-forces that create a feeling of weightlessness and the sensation of a rocket launch. This version is more thrilling and is ideal for those who enjoy intense experiences. 
• Green Mission: A milder version of the ride that takes you on a gentle journey around Earth. This is a great option for those who are not comfortable with the intensity of the Orange Mission. 
• Height Requirement: You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride. The Orange Mission has a higher thrill factor, so the Green Mission is an excellent alternative for those who prefer less intensity. 
• What's Special: The attraction uses advanced motion simulators to give you the feeling of being in space, and the visuals and sound effects are designed to make it as immersive as possible. It's one of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping rides in the park!

General Tips: 

• Times & Locations: Character meet-and-greets can be found throughout Epcot, and their locations and times can vary by day. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app or the daily park schedule for exact times and locations. 
• Autograph Books: If you're looking to collect autographs, bring an autograph book or use your phone for photos with the characters. 
• Lightning Lane: Currently, Lightning Lane for character meet-and-greets is not available, but lines can be shorter during non-peek hours, especially during parades and shows. 

Epcot Festivals: 

Epcot's festivals are vibrant and seasonal highlight of the park, offering guests unique experiences, food, entertainment, and cultural celebrations. Throughout the year, Epcot hosts several major festivals, each with its own theme. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival dazzles with stunning topiaries, beautiful gardens, and floral displays, while offering guests seasonal food and beverages. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a foodie's paradise, featuring global cuisine, wines, and cocktails, along with live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays brings festive cheer with special holiday-themed food, drinks, entertainment, and storytellers from around the world. These festivals add an extra layer of magic to Epcot, creating immersive, ever-changing experiences that guests can enjoy throughout the year. 

Epcot offers a truly unique experience, blending education, entertainment, and cultural exploration in one amazing park. Whether you're wandering through the vibrant pavilions of World Showcase, soaring over the world's greatest landmarks, or enjoying the fun and whimsical attractions in World Celebration, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From thrilling rides like  Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to tranquil moments in the beautiful gardens and pavilions, Epcot is a place where imagination and innovation come to life. And don't forget the seasonal festivals that bring even more magic to this already enchanting park. No matter when you visit, Epcot promises a memorable adventure that leave you with lasting memories and a new appreciation for the world around you.