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The Ultimate Epcot Checklist – 12 Things You Must Do

What’s great about Epcot is that it’s two parks squeezed into one. There’s Future World that shows off technology and World Showcase that displays different cultures from around the world. It’s both an educational and fun experience. With such a large area there are many things to explore, but these 12 are absolutely essential.

12. Club Cool

First-time visitors to Epcot often miss this experience, but Club Cool is where guests can sample Coke products from around the world, for free. Guests can take turns seeing which flavors they like and which ones they don’t. It’s become a rite of passage to try the Beverly, a bitter tasting drink that results in some pretty funny reactions.

11. Living with The Land

Over at the Land Pavilion in Future World, guests take a boat ride through an enormous greenhouse that displays new, innovative ways crops are being grown. There is careful attention paid not only to producing food, but doing so in a way that’s environmentally friendly. A few Mickey-shaped vegetables can be seen during the ride.

10. The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Hop aboard a clam shell and help Marlin and Dory find Nemo while encountering jellyfish, sharks, and traveling the EAC. The final scene uses a wonderful trick that looks like Nemo and the gang are swimming with the other (real) aquarium fish. At the end of the ride, guests can talk to Crush or take a look at more underwater wildlife, including manatees.

9. The Universe of Energy

Love it or hate it, it’s an attraction that everyone should experience at least once. This 40-minute attraction features Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy as they explain what energy is. The highlight of this attraction is when guests board special vehicles and travel back in time, rolling right past enormous dinosaurs. (TIP: This is a slow, calm ride. Perfect for those who can’t yet handle the Dinosaur attraction in Animal Kingdom.)

8. Innovations

Innovations East and West, found in Future World, have evolved over the years, but continue to educate guests of all ages in a fun and exciting way. Guests can learn about creating healthy habits and save the world or use math to create a roller coaster, then ride it. These indoor areas encourage kids to use their creativity to invent and discover new solutions to problems we face today.

7. Meet Characters Around the World

Over at World Showcase, guests can meet their favorite characters in their home countries. Examples include Snow White in Germany, Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom, Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco. Donald Duck can even be found in Mexico wearing a sombrero and poncho.

6. World Showcase Entertainment

Most countries in World Showcase also have their own entertainers that come out and perform, weather permitting. These acts have changed recently, but should still be seen. See the Mariachi Cobre band in Mexico, the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China, Matsuriza in Japan, and the British Revolution band in the United Kingdom. There is so much music to be heard all over the World Showcase, especially the Voices of Liberty at the American pavilion.

5. Eat Your Way Around the World

Eating at World Showcase is a must. Try a few snacks, or better yet, dine at one of the many restaurants featured in the countries. With so many new flavors to try, this is the perfect opportunity to sample a little bit of everything without leaving the country. Those over 21 can also sample different alcoholic beverages at each country. Here are the “9 Best Table Service Restaurants in Epcot’s World Showcase.”

4. Soarin’

Definitely a Fastpass attraction, guests fly through California taking in the sights, sounds, and even smells of the state on Soarin’. Guests even fly over Disneyland and into the night sky as fireworks go off around them. Look for a hidden Mickey here.

3. Test Track

Another Fastpass attraction is Test Track. Reimagined with a more futuristic theme, the ride allows guests to create their own car and then test it out on the track to see how it performs in terms of power, responsiveness, efficiency, and speed. After the ride, create a commercial or get a picture standing next to the car you designed.

2. Spaceship Earth

Also known as the “Giant Golf Ball,” Spaceship Earth is a classic Disney attraction that takes guests through the development of communication and technology from the first mumblings of nomads to possibilities of what the future holds. Guests also get to help design their future by answering a few questions making the attraction more interactive than the original version.

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1. Illuminations

The grand finale to any Epcot trip is Illuminations. This evening show features lasers, fireworks, and fiery explosions while still sending the message that no matter what country we are from, we are the same. Some restaurant in World Showcase offer packages that include special seating for Illuminations so you don’t have to fight the crowd to get a good view.

Get all these done and you’ll have properly done Epcot. An Honorable Mention goes to the
Maelstrom in Norway which is now closed to prepare for the new Frozen attraction. While it was open it was an Epcot Must-Do and an attraction that often required a Fastpass. No doubt it will again when it reopens in 2016.

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About Kristina

Kristina is a freelance writer and full-time marketer who is a loud and proud Disney fan. Besides Disney Fanatic and How To Disney, she has also written for Examiner.com, Disney Avenue, and XOJane. A frequent visitor to Disney World, she enjoys trying something new each trip and experiencing all Disney has to offer. She lives in New York with her cat, Lizzie.

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