These Are the Things You MUST Do When Visiting EPCOT

EPCOT is, without a doubt, the most versatile of all the Parks at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, it really feels like multiple different parks—multiple worlds, really—all located in a larger, more encompassing Disney Park. This makes it a destination where there is just so much to see, do, and experience across the board. Because of this, you may be left wondering just what exactly should be added to your must-do list. So, to help you out, here are 11 things you should absolutely strive to do when planning a visit to EPCOT.

11. Ride Spaceship Earth

The enormous geosphere in which this attraction is housed is, hands-down, the Park’s most recognizable icon. So, that makes riding Spaceship Earth an EPCOT rite of passage—something every Guest should do at least once in their lifetime. Given all that it entails with its legendary status as well as its engaging exploration of communication throughout time on Planet Earth, you’d no doubt want to ride it anyway.

Related: 10 Amazing Facts About the Geodesic Sphere of Spaceship Earth

 10. Visit the Land Pavilion

As you’re making the rounds within the World Nature neighborhood, a stop-in over at the Land Pavilion is an absolute must. There’s just so much to explore here, including what is arguably EPCOT’s most popular attraction of all—Soarin’ Around the World. Living with the Land is another awesome attraction housed here—a boat ride journey through EPCOT’s resident greenhouses with a firsthand look into the importance of sustainable farming and agriculture. There are also two great dining venues on location here as well, including Sunshine Seasons—one of the most profuse quick-service offerings in the Park and the unique, rotating, family-style Garden Grill Restaurant featuring onsite character appearances by Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale.

9. Explore the Seas with Nemo & Friends

Here is another fabulous can’t-miss pavilion to check out in World Nature. Not only does it house the namesake attraction—the Seas with Nemo & Friends dark ride, but it’s also where you will find a stunning 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium teaming with an abundance of aquatic life. Being at this pavilion is an impressive, awe-inspiring experience in so many ways. And there are also plenty of additional fun features for all ages to get lost in. For instance, who can forget Turtle Talk with Crush is housed here too? For those who may not know what it is, it’s an interactive theater experience that lets you have one-on-one conversations with this totally tubular terrapin in real time!

Related: Fin-tastic Facts About The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion

8. Indulge in One-of-a-Kind Dining

To say that EPCOT is home to a wide range of dining options would be a gross understatement. As mentioned previously, EPCOT is such an interconnected portal of so many different worlds that the resulting cuisine options reflect all the diversity in culture, distinction, and variation across the board. There is, of course, the World Showcase sporting eleven different national pavilions, all of which boast an array of both table-service and quick-service options alike. Then there are those intricately themed establishments like the aforementioned Garden Grill, The Coral Reef—which is located within the previously highlighted Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, and that new out-of-this-world signature restaurant you may have heard about—Space 220.

While everyone has their own interests in what exactly they’re craving in the way of vittles, do add dining via at least one great table-service meal onto your EPCOT itinerary.

Related: Top 6 Fun, Family-Friendly Restaurants within EPCOT’s World Showcase

7. Experience the Park’s Newest Thrill

EPCOT is home to quite a few rides that thrill-seekers enjoy immensely. While Mission: SPACE (Orange Team) and Test Track have been the big go-to attractions for those looking for more intense pursuits, there’s a newbie on the block that’s been showing up to everyone. I am, of course, referring to the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster. A first in innovation on so many levels, this is the latest trending attraction causing a stir in EPCOT. So, if you can, be sure to try and snag this one when making Lightning Lane reservations.

 6. Cool Off at Club Cool

Who can pass on an opportunity to try out unlimited samplings of different soft drinks from around the world? That’s just what you get to do at Club Cool, located within EPCOT’s World Celebration neighborhood. An awesome detour to take if you need to wet your whistle, Club Cool’s biggest highlight is, of course, the soda bar. But also take note that it is a mega Coca-Cola-affiliated retailer with tons of cool extras you can purchase. So, make it a point to stop by.

5. Go on a World Tour

As mentioned earlier in brief passing, EPCOT is where you will find the one and only World Showcase. Comprising 11 different nations, these representative pavilions make it possible for Guests to go on an abbreviated grand world tour, taking in authentic cultural experiences in the way of food and even buying imported, traditional merchandise from those nations highlighted. The international lineup of pavilions includes Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Every pavilion making up the World Showcase has its own callouts and attractions to boot. While some attractions are more along the lines of featured eye candy, others include popular sought-out rides, like Mexico’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, Norway’s Frozen Ever After, and France’s newest attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Related: Tackling EPCOT’s World Showcase – Top 15 Experiences You Should Have

4. Get Lost in Live Entertainment

At any given time when you visit EPCOT, you can enjoy an array of live entertainment happenings. Some of the more low-key improvised entertainment includes janitors getting creative with trashcans or street acts happening around the World Showcase. But there are some events that are scheduled occurrences. For instance, the United Kingdom Pavilion is a great place to catch 30-minute concert performances on select days with the band Command Performance. The Canada Pavilion’s Mill Stage is also a lively scene at slated times. And let’s not forget about the seasonal happenings that are always taking place at the American Adventure Pavilion’s outdoor America Gardens Theatre. Times and performances are always subject to change, but one constant that always remains is that at any given time you visit EPCOT, there is the opportunity to get lost in live entertainment.

3. Meet Characters in Person

Meeting characters is a big thing at any Disney Park, and EPCOT certainly has plenty of character spots to take note of. From Goofy and Pluto hanging around the Spaceship Earth area to Winnie the Pooh doing what he does at the United Kingdom Pavilion. You’ll even find Mickey Mouse greeting attendants to the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival and so many other characters (both classic and new) at specified locations. You certainly have your pick for who you want to see, snap photos with, and have signed your autograph book.

Related: EPCOT Reveals for ‘Moana’ and Figment News!

2. Watch the Nighttime Spectacular

Most folks come to Disney World with the intention of seeing the nighttime fireworks spectacular taking place over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. But you should know that EPCOT’s own presentation, Harmonious, is an absolute marvel set along the waters of the World Showcase Lagoon. Presented every evening as a 20-minute all-out celebration of interconnectedness, it’s a wonderful culmination of fireworks, other pyrotechnics, water effects, projection images, and of course, classic Disney music. Be sure to stay and watch.

1. Attend A Seasonal Event

The scene of seasonal events taking place in EPCOT has considerably expanded through the years. So, in all actuality, it’s probably easier now than ever before to coordinate your visit with one of many regular scheduled happenings. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues to be the big one, but other awesome considerations include the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Planning to attend one of these exciting special engagements makes the overall EPCOT experience so much more alluring.

Related: List: 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Options!

EPCOT is an exciting Park that’s always buzzing with action and engagement. So, there’s plenty to see and do in catering to every person’s very specific interests. It’s all about bringing people together and celebrating all the vast diversity of life that exists on this planet—just as Walt Disney intended.