Celebrate Epcot’s 35th Anniversary on October 1

Disney Parks Blog announced the details of the EPCOT’s 35th Anniversary event on October 1st With Exclusive Merchandise, Special Fireworks Finale & More

Are you planning to visit Epcot for the park’s 35th anniversary on October 1?

With the anniversary falling on a weekend – not to mention during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – there’s sure to be a ton of fun for all!

Here are a few highlights of what’s planned for this year’s anniversary celebration.

Commemorative Guide Map – Be sure to pick up a commemorative Epcot Guidemap and Times Guide on your way into the park. They’ll be available at the park’s Main Entrance, at International Gateway and Guest Relations.

Anniversary Celebration – A special celebration will be held at the Fountain View stage at 10:01 a.m. Gather to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot with Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty.

Exclusive Anniversary Merchandise – Guests visiting Epcot on October 1 will have the chance to grab anniversary merchandise as a part of the “I Was There” collection (see Steven Miller’s previous post for a full look), which has been specifically designed for this year’s milestone. Items in the collection will be available only at a “pop-up” shop (which will be open for one day only/while supplies last), located just past the Art of Disney location at Epcot on October 1. Additional Epcot 35th Anniversary logo merchandise (not a part of the “I Was There” line) will be available in select merchandise locations at the park, such as Mouse Gear and on the Shop Disney Parks app.

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Special Edition: IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – Conclude your day at the park by attending a special edition of the park’s nighttime fireworks show, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which begins at 9 p.m.

Walt Disney World’s Epcot Touring Plan for a 2 Day Visit

Like the Magic Kingdom, Epcot requires at least two days to tour effectively. There is so much to see in World Showcase alone and you should take time to enjoy the details. For the purpose of this article, it is assumed you will tour early morning one day and have an afternoon arrival the second day. Suggestion: Use the Day 2-late arrival part of this plan on the day you get to Disney World. After you check into your hotel, you can jump right into the fun!

Day 1-early arrival

1) Plan to arrive at the front gate about 30 minutes before opening (earlier on really busy days). Grab a park map and times guide as you enter. Suggested Fastpass+ reservations are Mission:Space at 10 am, Frozen Ever After at 1:30 pm and Spaceship Earth at 4 pm.

2) Head to Future World East (turn left in front of MouseGear). Ride Test Track, see Ellen’s Energy Adventure and use your fastpass for Mission: Space. Browse the aforementioned MouseGear gift shop. Tip: Have your souvenirs sent to the front of the park for later pickup or even to your Disney hotel.

3) Staying on the same side of the park, go into World Showcase and ride Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. Enjoy the pavilion, including the historical exhibits in the lobby. If you’re lucky, you’ll see Donald Duck or a mariachi group.

4) Grab an early lunch in one of the World Showcase countries. Suggestions include La Cantina de San Angel, Lotus Blossom Café in China, and Biergarten in Germany.

5) In the Norway pavilion, use your Frozen Ever After fastpass, go next door and see “Reflections of China”, and grab some candy in Germany at Karamell-Küche (with a working kitchen for Werthers Candy). Go to Italy, where great picture spots abound. See the Voices of Liberty and the show in American Adventure. Visit the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan. If you’re hungry or thirsty, grab a nearby snack from one of the many World Showcase options.

6) Take one of the Friendship boats back to Future World and use your Fastpass for Spaceship Earth. Check out the nearby gift shops and The Art of Disney before exiting the park.

Day 2-late arrival

1) Arrive at Epcot about 4 pm. Suggested Fastpass+ reservations are Character Spot at 4 pm, Soarin’ at 5:00, and The Seas with Nemo and Friends at 6:00.

2) Turn right in front of the fountain and see your favorite Disney characters at Character Spot, using you fastpass. Then head to The Land pavilion. Use your Soarin’ fast pass and then ride Living with the Land. See the Circle of Life if you have children with you. Consider eating dinner at Sunshine Seasons in this pavilion.

3) When you exit The Land, turn left toward The Living Seas. Ride Nemo, using your fastpass, and then tour the aquarium. Go to the Imagination pavilion and ride Figment. Let your kids enjoy the games near the exit.

4) Take a scenic walk through the Future World gardens, toward Canada in World Showcase. See O Canada! hosted by Martin Short and then visit the UK pavilion. You might see Mary Poppins near the bridge going to France. If you haven’t eaten yet, grab some fish and chips in the UK.

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5) Head to France and see Impressions de France. Maybe grab an ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces. Go to Morocco. Look for Aladdin and Jasmine here. Tip: Be sure to go all the way to the back of this pavilion.

6) See Illuminations. Secure a spot around World Showcase lagoon 30-60 minutes ahead of time. If you’re not in a hurry to leave, watch from World Showcase. If you want to beat the crowds out of the park, watch from Future World.

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!