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Thanks to a multi-year refurbishment, Epcot is better than ever! There are tons of things to do at Epcot for guests of all ages and interests. From your favorite characters to international snacks to galactic adventures, you’ll be sure to have a fun-filled day (or two) at this Walt Disney World theme park.
As an Orlando local, annual pass holder, and former Disney World cast member, I am happy to share my top picks for activities, rides, and extras at Epcot.
Make sure you take a look at my Epcot itinerary for ideas on how to fit everything in! Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
27 Best Things to Do at Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Take a ride on one of the most innovative coasters in the world with a rotating playlist of classic hits.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Located in World Discovery, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is without a doubt the best attraction I have ever been on. This indoor roller coaster has vehicles that can spin 360 degrees for a thrilling and immersive ride.
What really makes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind fantastic is the rotating playlist that includes songs like “September” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. You won’t know which classic hit you’ll get until the roller coaster has already taken off.
👉 Local Tip: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind currently uses a free virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app. Be on the app a couple of minutes before 7:00 am or 1:00 pm when the virtual queue opens. Keep refreshing until you can snag a spot!
Kidcot Fun Stops
Include these kid-friendly cultural activities as you adventure around the world.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
There are plenty of Epcot rides and attractions geared toward children, but the park still has a reputation for being an “adult park”. For most visitors, World Showcase is dominated by eating and drinking around the world, which can get boring for kids.
Luckily, every country around Epcot’s World Showcase has a Kidcot Fun Stop. These locations include small activities for kids to learn more about that country’s culture.
If your group has multiple adults, this is a great time for one to hang out with the kids while the others grab snacks and drinks.
If you’re traveling with young kids, check out my tips for visiting Disney World with toddlers.
Voices of Liberty
Enjoy mesmerizing songs in the acoustic rotunda of the American Adventure pavilion.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Inside the American Adventure pavilion, Walt Disney World Resort guests can enjoy a beautiful acapella concert by the Voices of Liberty. The acoustics of the building’s rotunda provide the perfect listening experience.
Some seating is available, but most people sit on the ground for the show. Check the My Disney Experience app for show times.
Seasonal Festivals
Add some extra fun to your Disney World vacation with special food, activities, and shows.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Epcot hosts four unique festivals throughout the year:
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts (January-February)
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (March-June)
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (July-November)
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November-December)
The specific dates change each year, so check out Disney’s website for up-to-date information. Each festival has specific events, but all tend to include themed food stands, musical performances, and activities.
Attending a festival at Epcot made my list of the top things to do at Walt Disney World, so definitely schedule your visit accordingly if you can!
👉 Local Tip: When visiting Epcot during a festival, look for a festival passport. These booklets provide information about snacks, drinks, and activities of the festival.
Fireworks Dining Package
For a special and magical experience, dine on the water during Epcot’s nighttime spectacular.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $81 per adult, $31 per child (3-9)
The fireworks dining packages allow guests to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants before watching the fireworks show. These packages are currently offered at Spice Road Table (Morocco pavilion) and Rose and Crown (United Kingdom pavilion).
Epcot’s nighttime show Luminous: The Symphony of Us begins at the theme park’s closing time, so getting dinner and watching the show are the perfect way to end a fun-filled day.
Best Rides & Attractions at Epcot
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to rodent size as you run through the streets of Paris with Remy and his friends.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of the newer rides at Epcot and is located in the back of the France pavilion. This is one of the best Epcot attractions and tends to have a longer wait time.
With no height restriction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure brings guests of all ages on a scurrying adventure through Paris and Gusteau’s Restaurant.
Test Track
Take a spin on this classic attraction that is the fastest ride at Walt Disney World.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Test Track is one of the classic Epcot rides and the fastest ride at Walt Disney World. The attraction is currently slated for refurbishment in 2023, but the ride experience at Test Track is expected to be the same.
After some indoor maneuvers, Test Track brings guests on a high-speed (65 miles per hour to be exact) circle around the building’s exterior.
Journey of Water
With a little education and a lot of interactive experiences, this walk-through experience guarantees a good time.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Journey of Water is the newest attraction at Epcot. It joins The Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land pavilion in World Nature. As you can guess from the name, this walk-through area teaches guests about water with hands-on play areas.
There are dry areas throughout Journey of Water, but you should expect to get at least a little wet. Save this attraction until the end of the day or have a change of clothes ready if your kids are drawn to water like mine is. See my packing list for Disney World to make sure you have everything you need.
Frozen Ever After
Tour through the land of Disney’s favorite Nordic sisters on a mostly calm (but sometimes thrilling) boat ride.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
In the back of the Norway pavilion, Frozen Ever After welcomes guests on a boat ride through Arendelle. The mostly gentle ride includes everyone’s favorite songs and characters from the Frozen films.
Due to the popularity of Anna, Elsa, and all things Frozen, this ride frequently has a wait time of 60 minutes or more. If you plan to purchase Genie+, this is definitely an attraction you’ll want to grab a Lightning Lane for.
Luminous: The Symphony of Us
Epcot’s new fireworks and light show fills the World Showcase with music and magic.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
In December 2023, Epcot debuted Luminous: The Symphony of Us. This show includes original music, fireworks, and light displays over the World Showcase Lagoon.
If you can see the water, you’ll have a good view of the show. Some of my favorite viewing spots are:
- Island between the UK pavilion and France pavilion
- Upstairs balcony in the Japan pavilion
- Islands in the Italy pavilion
- Seating area next to Rose & Crown
- Window seat inside La Hacienda de San Angel (reservations required)
Best Food & Drink at Epcot
Festival Food Stands
Share some snacks or keep them all to yourself as you explore the international offerings.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by stand
In most cases, I recommend skipping a formal meal at Epcot in favor of grazing at all the snack stands. Each festival has its own food stands, with the Food and Wine Festival having the most options. Guests can choose from seasonal and international flavors.
Most of the festival food stands are located around the World Showcase, but some can also be found in World Discovery and World Celebration.
Club Cool
Cool off with a taste test of soda flavors from around the world.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Thanks to Coca-Cola, guests can taste soda flavors from around the world at Club Cool. These are the only free drinks (other than water) at the park.
Disney fans love to prank their friends by offering them a taste of “Beverly”, which has a reputation as the worst soda flavor at Club Cool.
La Cava del Tequila
It may not be a hidden gem anymore, but this “tequila cave” is still a great stop for margaritas and snacks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase
Before La Cava del Tequila opens at 11:00 am, you can see a couple dozen people already lined up for margaritas. Known as “rope-dropping margaritas”, these people have the right idea since this bar has a long line throughout most of the day.
La Cava del Tequila used to be a somewhat unknown cult favorite, but it has exploded in popularity. You may need to wait a little longer, but the drinks are still just as delicious!
👉 Local Tip: Tequila aficionados will love La Cava Experience, a tasting and educational experience with an agave expert.
Space 220
Why eat a boring meal sitting on Earth when you can dine 220 miles into space?
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase
Space 220 is not just a restaurant, it is also a galactic experience. You can find it next to Mission: Space. After an “elevator” ride takes you up to the restaurant, you’ll dine with views of space and planet Earth.
This restaurant is quite popular, so look for reservations as soon as the advanced dining reservation window opens 60 days out from your vacation.
Eat and Drink Around the World
Eating (and drinking) your way “around the world” is an iconic activity at Epcot.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase
Does this need an explanation? Eating and drinking around the World Showcase is one of the top things to do at Disney World for adults. You can take it at your pace and add in attractions and shopping wherever you’d like.
Some of my recommended stops include:
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion
- La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion
- Frozen beer in the Japan pavilion
- Bratwurst in the Germany pavilion
- Tipsy Ducks in Love drink in the China pavilion
If you’re planning on drinking, skip the driving and stay at the Beach Club. It is conveniently located by the International Gateway entrance to Epcot and the Skyliner terminal.
Things for Kids at Epcot
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Dine on a family-style feast while meeting your favorite princesses.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Starting at $55 (adults), $43 (ages 3-9)
While I tend to recommend skipping a table-service meal in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is an exception for princess lovers. If you have younger kids who dream of meeting the princesses, dining at this restaurant is perfect.
The princesses wander throughout the tables while guests are eating, so you enjoy longer interactions and plenty of time for photos or conversation.
Also, the family-style meals are delicious and feature cuisine with a Norwegian flare.
Turtle Talk with Crush
This one-of-a-kind interactive chat with a surfing turtle is sure to bring the laughs.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
If you’ve been watching Disney World videos on social media, you’ve probably come across a funny interaction at Turtle Talk with Crush. Turtle Talk allows guests to chat with Crush and learn about his life in the ocean.
With a seating area for younger guests up front, this is one of the best Epcot attractions for kids. Plus, you never know what the kids or Crush might say.
If your child is a huge Finding Nemo fan, book a room at Art of Animation so your family can swim with Crush and all his friends. I have an entire guide to hotels at Walt Disney World if you still need a place to stay.
Disney’s Ducktales World Showcase Adventure
You only need a smartphone to help Scrooge McDuck recover some lost artifacts.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
In addition to the Kidcot Play Stops, Disney has the Ducktales World Showcase Adventure for kids (of all ages). On the Play Disney Parks app, kids will follow clues to help Scrooge McDuck and his nephews find hidden treasures throughout the countries.
Meet Characters
From Mickey and friends to the Disney princesses, there are several character experiences throughout Epcot.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Epcot has character meet and greets throughout the park. Some popular characters include:
- Mulan in the China pavilion
- Alice in Wonderland in the UK pavilion
- Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion
- Joy (from Inside Out) in the Imagination pavilion
Hidden Gems at Epcot
JAMMitors
Rock out with this drumline that turns trash into music.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
JAMMitors are musicians who perform a few times a day in the new garden at the World Celebration. It is a quick show that will not make or break your vacation, but it is a fun show if it fits into your itinerary.
This isn’t your usual drum line performance, these JAMMitors are dressed to work but ready to play.
Cultural Exhibits and Shows
Take a break from the rides and treats to enjoy some museum-worthy exhibits throughout the World Showcase.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Every country around the World Showcase has a cultural exhibit and some have beautiful shows. These air-conditioned stops are a great way to break up drinking around the world.
For example, the American Heritage Gallery in the American Adventure pavilion is currently showcasing Native American art pieces. If you prefer a film experience, Impressions de France takes viewers on a journey throughout the beautiful country.
Monsieur Paul
Dine on an exquisite prix fixe French meal at one of the top Disney World restaurants.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $195 per adult
Adults (and children over 10) can take a break from the theme parks with a luxurious French dinner experience at Monsieur Paul. The prix fixe gastronomic meal includes cocktails and multiple courses.
A meal at Monsieur Paul is perfect for a Disney World honeymoon or romantic date.
DiveQuest
Pretend you’re the little mermaid and head under the sea in a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $229-249 per person
Want to add Walt Disney World to your dive log? Check out DiveQuest at The Seas. This experience allows guests to swim in the large multi-species aquarium with hundreds of marine animals.
In addition to the 40-minute dive, participants also enjoy a backstage tour of the aquarium operations.
Things to Do at Epcot on a Rainy Day
Game and Play Areas
Hide out for the afternoon in one of the many play areas connected to the attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
One of my best Disney World tips is to check out the game and play areas at some of the Epcot attractions. Many people think you can only get to these areas after riding the attraction, but you can actually enter through the exit or gift shop.
Indoor game and play areas are connected to the following attractions:
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Mission: Space
- Journey into Imagination
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
Behind the Seeds Tour
Learn more about how Disney’s greenhouses and innovative agriculture are feeding the guests at nearby restaurants.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $39-45 per person
The Living with the Land boat ride is a cult favorite, but you can also see the greenhouses on a backstage walking tour. Behind the Seeds is one of the cheaper tours at Disney World.
Guests can learn about how agriculturists are using sustainable and affordable growing practices to provide food for several Disney restaurants, including the Garden Grill in The Land pavilion.
SeaBase
Get up close to the over 2,000 marine animals that get to call Disney World home.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
SeaBase includes all the aquariums within The Seas with Nemo and Friends. In addition to the almost 6-million-gallon tank, aquarists at SeaBase care for hundreds of animals in smaller tanks across two floors.
This area can get busy during the rain as everyone tries to stay dry, but I love taking my time wandering through the aquariums to see all the animals.
Spaceship Earth
It is a classic for a reason and you can’t miss a ride through the “Epcot ball”.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Spaceship Earth is the perfect rainy day ride. The queue is located under the cover of the “Epcot ball” and the dark ride attraction is entirely inside the large globe. After the 15-minute ride inside Spaceship Earth, you can stay dry in the Project Tomorrow game area.
It is far from the newest Epcot ride, but Spaceship Earth continues to be one of the most popular rides at Epcot because it is a classic.
FAQs About What to Do at Epcot
What are the best things to do at Epcot?
The best things to do in Epcot are:
– Ride Guardians of the Galaxy, a spinning indoor coaster
– Take kids to the Kidcot Fun Stops throughout the World Showcase
– Listen to the Voices of Liberty sing acapella
– Attend one of the seasonal festivals
What are the best things to do in Epcot for adults?
The best things to do in Epcot for adults are drinking around the world, trying new international snacks, and enjoying some of the best thrill rides at Disney World.
What are the best things to do in Epcot for toddlers?
The best things to do in Epcot for toddlers are:
– meet characters
– stop at the Kidcot Fun Stops in the World Showcase
– take a break at the playground in World Discovery
– go to Turtle Talk with Crush
– ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Is Epcot worth a whole day?
Epcot is definitely a whole-day park! Start the morning with rides and attractions before moving to the World Showcase for food and drinks in the afternoon.
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As you can see, there are plenty of things to do at Epcot during your trip. Before you go, make sure to read my guide to where to stay at Disney World!
🎟️ Still Need Tickets? Don’t wait until you arrive to purchase Disney theme park tickets. Check out our affiliate partner, Undercover Tourist.
