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EPCOT Guide
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The Complete Guide to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
EPCOT is one of the most unique theme parks in the world — part cultural celebration, part technological marvel and part food and drink paradise. Whether you're riding world-class attractions, sampling cuisine from across the globe or watching one of the most spectacular nighttime shows in Orlando, a day at EPCOT is unlike anything else at Walt Disney World Resort. Here's everything you need to know before you visit.
What Is EPCOT?
EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow — and it began as Walt Disney's most ambitious vision. Not simply a theme park, but a living, working city of the future. Walt sadly passed away before his dream could be fully realised, but 11 years after the opening of Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT Center began to take shape, blending innovation and culture in a way no other park had done before.
Today EPCOT is divided into four distinct lands - World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase - each offering its own unique experiences, attractions and dining. It's also home to a packed calendar of annual festivals that transform the park throughout the year, making every visit feel fresh and different.
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The Four Lands of EPCOT
World Celebration
The gateway into EPCOT, World Celebration is home to the park's iconic giant geodesic sphere and sets the tone for the day ahead. Pick up your must-have merchandise at Creations Shop, cool off with a complimentary soda at Club Cool and step aboard Spaceship Earth for a fascinating journey through the history of human communication.
World Discovery
Science, space and technology take centre stage in World Discovery. This is where you'll find some of EPCOT's most thrilling attractions, from a groundbreaking roller coaster to a stomach-dropping space simulation. Round off your visit with a meal 220 miles above Earth at Space 220 Restaurant.
World Nature
Celebrating the beauty and wonder of our planet, World Nature is home to some of the most immersive experiences at EPCOT. Soar above global landmarks, float through working greenhouses and follow in the footsteps of Moana on a walk through living water. You can even dine with Mickey Mouse himself at the revolving Garden Grill Restaurant.
World Showcase
The crown jewel of EPCOT, World Showcase takes you on a journey around the globe without ever leaving Orlando. Eleven countries are represented around the World Showcase Lagoon — each with its own architecture, restaurants, shops, live entertainment and cast members who actually hail from that country. The 11 pavilions are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Rides and Attractions at EPCOT
EPCOT is home to some of the most diverse and imaginative attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. From white-knuckle thrill rides and immersive simulators to gentle boat rides and interactive shows, there's something for every member of the family. Here's a rundown of everything you can experience across the park's four lands.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
A thrilling attraction sends you hurtling across the galaxy on the first-ever reverse launch in Disney Parks history. The ride vehicle rotates a full 360 degrees, keeping you locked onto the action at every twist and turn. Fun fact - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world.
Ride Type: Thrill Ride | Height: 42"/107cm | Lightning Lane Single Pass
Frozen Ever After
Set sail for Arendelle aboard a traditional Nordic vessel for a musical tour of the world of Frozen. Glide past Kristoff's family of trolls, brave the cold of Elsa's ice palace and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and the rest of the Frozen gang throughout Norway's beautifully themed pavilion.
Ride Type: Boat Ride | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Test Track presented by General Motors
Design your own virtual concept vehicle, then strap in and put it to the ultimate test. Tackle rough terrain, sharp switchbacks and 50-degree banked curves before hitting speeds of up to 65mph on the final straight. One of the most popular rides at EPCOT — well worth grabbing a Lightning Lane for.
Ride Type: Thrill Ride | Height: 40"/102cm | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Soarin' Around the World
Hang glide 40 feet above the ground on an 80-foot IMAX projection dome, soaring over some of the world's most breathtaking landmarks. From the Swiss Alps and the Great Wall of China to the Pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal — no mountain is too high and no landscape is too far.
Ride Type: Simulator | Height: 40"/102cm | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to the size of a rat and scurry through the kitchens of Gusteau's restaurant in this charming 4D adventure. A firm family favourite and a must-do in the France pavilion at World Showcase.
Ride Type: 4D Simulator | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Follow in the footsteps of Moana on this magical self-guided exploration trail through World Nature. Play with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again, discovering its playful personality along the way through interactive encounters and beautiful surroundings. A wonderfully immersive experience that's perfect for all ages and a great way to cool down on a warm Florida day.
Ride Type: Walk-Through | Height: Any
The American Adventure
Audio-animatronic versions of Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt and more guide you through the history of the United States — from the Declaration of Independence and the Civil War to the modern day.
Ride Type: Show | Height: None
Turtle Talk with Crush
Have a totally righteous conversation with Crush the sea turtle from Finding Nemo in this brilliant interactive show. Using his high-tech hydrophone, Crush takes questions directly from the audience — anything goes, from marine biology to his favourite food.
Ride Type: Interactive Show | Height: None
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Join the beloved purple dragon Figment and Dr Nigel Channing on a sensory adventure through the Imagination Institute. Smell, see and hear your way through the labs — and keep an eye out for some famous fictional scientists in the queue.
Ride Type: Dark Ride | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Board a clamobile and dive below the waves to help Marlin and Dory track down the missing Nemo. The ride weaves through a colourful underwater world before merging seamlessly with a real aquarium - home to tropical fish, rays, sharks and more.
Ride Type: Dark Ride | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Living with the Land
Float through vast working greenhouses and agricultural scenes from around the world on this fascinating and gently educational boat ride. Fun fact — the fruit and vegetables you see growing are completely real and are actually served in EPCOT restaurants including Garden Grill and Sunshine Seasons.
Ride Type: Boat Ride | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Mission: SPACE
Ever wondered what it feels like to be an astronaut? Mission: SPACE puts you through your paces with an authentic NASA-style simulator. Choose the Green Team for a gentler orbit around Earth, or go all-in with the Orange Team for a full-force mission to Mars. A great option for those prone to motion sickness - just pick your intensity level before boarding.
Ride Type: Thrill Ride | Height: 40"/102cm | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Spaceship Earth
Narrated by Dame Judi Dench, this gentle 16-minute journey takes you through over 40,000 years of human communication - from prehistoric cave paintings and the Phoenician alphabet right through to the digital age. A timeless EPCOT classic and the perfect way to start your day. Don't forget to look back at the iconic geodesic sphere as it lights up after dark.
Ride Type: Dark Ride | Height: None | Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Character Meet and Greets at EPCOT
EPCOT offers some of the best character meet and greet experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, with beloved Disney characters spread across all four lands. Here's where to find them:
Character | Location | Land |
|---|---|---|
Anna and Elsa | Norway | World Showcase |
Belle | France | World Showcase |
Princess Aurora | France | World Showcase |
Alice | United Kingdom | World Showcase |
Winnie the Pooh | United Kingdom | World Showcase |
Mary Poppins | United Kingdom | World Showcase |
Mulan | China | World Showcase |
Donald Duck | Mexico | World Showcase |
Snow White | Germany | World Showcase |
Princess Jasmine | Morocco | World Showcase |
Asha | World Showcase Plaza | World Showcase |
Mickey Mouse and Disney Pals | World Celebration | World Celebration |
Pluto | Near EPCOT Entrance | World Celebration |
Star-Lord | Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind | World Discovery |
Shows and Entertainment at EPCOT
Luminous — The Symphony of Us
This EPCOT nightly spectacular is one of the most impressive nighttime shows at Walt Disney World Resort. Fountains, lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and an original musical score come together over the World Showcase Lagoon in a breathtaking 360-degree display. The good news - you can watch Luminous from anywhere around World Showcase that has a clear view of the lagoon. Check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for exact showtimes.
EPCOT Festivals and Events
The EPCOT calendar of annual festivals transforms the park throughout the year with exclusive food, entertainment and experiences. All festivals are free with regular park admission, though food, drink samples and special events may carry an additional charge.
Disney After Hours at EPCOT
For an exclusive after-dark experience, Disney After Hours at EPCOT gives a limited number of guests access to three hours in the park once regular visitors have left. Enjoy shorter wait times on attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After, meet exclusive Disney Characters and help yourself to complimentary popcorn, ice cream and soft drinks throughout the night.
Select dates January 22nd 2026– September 24th 2026. The event runs from 9:30PM - 12:30AM, with park admission from 7pm. A separate ticket is required in addition to regular park admission.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
August 27th 2026 - November 21st 2026
Onen of the biggest events in the EPCOT calendar and a firm favourite with foodies. Global marketplace stands line the walkways around World Showcase, each serving food and drink samples inspired by their host country's traditional cuisine. Celebrity chef demonstrations, wine seminars and hands-on cooking courses run throughout, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Enterprise® brings live music to the American Gardens Theatre three times daily.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates yet to be announced.
The most magical time of year at EPCOT. Holiday kitchens serve festive treats around World Showcase, the park is beautifully decorated and a special Holiday Cookie Stroll winds through the pavilions. The highlight is the Candlelight Processional - a stunning retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and a choir of Disney cast members.
What to Wear at EPCOT
Comfortable, casual clothing and good walking shoes are essential — EPCOT covers a lot of ground and you'll want to focus on having fun rather than sore feet. Lightweight clothing is ideal for the Florida heat, and a rain poncho is always worth packing for those classic afternoon showers.
There are a few things you cannot wear into EPCOT. Adult costumes or clothing that could be seen as representing an actual Disney Character are not permitted, nor are full-face masks, clothing with offensive language or graphics, excessively torn clothing or anything deemed inappropriate for a family environment.
What to Bring to EPCOT
A camera is a must - Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the park, but having your own means you'll never miss a spontaneous moment. Even better, our Walt Disney World Resort tickets come with Memory Maker included, worth $210, meaning every photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer is automatically saved to your account and ready to download when you get home - so not a single memory gets left behind.
On hot days, bringing water is a good idea even though free tap water, and other beverages are available throughout the park. Make sure your phone is charged before you arrive - the My Disney Experience app is essential for managing your day, and the Play Disney Parks app brings the World Showcase pavilions to life with the Kidcot Puzzle Hunt for younger guests.
Top Tip: EPCOT has multiple free water bottle refill stations dotted around the park. The most reliable spots are near Connections Eatery, outside Journey of Water - Inspired by Moana, inside the Odyssey Pavilion and by the International Gateway restrooms - so you'll never be far from a top-up on a hot Florida day.
EPCOT Opening Hours and Getting There
EPCOT is open daily from around 8am, with closing times typically around 9pm depending on the season and any special events. Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels may benefit from early theme park entry and extended evening hours on certain days.
If you're staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can reach EPCOT by bus, monorail, boat or the Disney Skyliner - available from Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort. Guests at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort and Disney's BoardWalk Inn can walk directly to EPCOT via the International Gateway entrance.
If you're driving, exit the I-4 onto Osceola Parkway and head north on World Drive until you reach Epcot Center Drive.
Address: 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
EPCOT Parking
Standard Parking - $30 per day
Preferred Parking - $45, $50 or $55 per day depending on season
Oversized Vehicle Parking - $30 per day
Parking is complimentary for Disney Resort hotel guests.
Once you've paid for parking at one Walt Disney World Park, parking at any of the other Disney Parks is free for the rest of that day. The car parks at Walt Disney World Resort are enormous - make a note of your row and lot number on something waterproof so you can find your car at the end of the day!
*Car Parking prices are subject to change. Pricing is seasonal and will vary based on date of visit.
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