10 Things You Should NEVER Do At Epcot

Many guests do not realize just how much Epcot has to offer, from attractions to food to shopping, Epcot is truly a great place to spend your day exploring. Thus to make sure you get the most out of your visit to Epcot, here are ten things you should never do:

10. Not get a Soarin’ FastPass

Soarin’ is Epcot’s most popular attraction, and for good reason. Located in Future World’s Land Pavilion, this ride sends you on a flight over the sites and smells of California. It’s a must due at Epcot as long as you are not afraid of heights and above forty inches. Due to the popularity of this ride, wait times are almost always over an hour. Thus, using a FastPass for this attraction is a must. Also, if you have young children traveling with you Rider Swap is available for this attraction, just ask the cast member standing out front!

9. Miss out on Test Track

Test Track is another popular attraction in Epcot. On this attraction you get to build your own car then take it for a test drive to see how it holds up against other test cars. This is attraction usually sees long waits as well, but due to the Epcot FastPass tier system, you cannot get a FastPass for both Soarin’ and Test Track as part of your initial three FastPasses. My recommendation is to FastPass Soarin’ and ride Test Track at park open when lines are short or to utilize the single rider line if your party does not mind being separated. Another option is to use your initial three FastPasses then get your additional FastPass for Test Track. This attraction also has a forty inch height requirement and has Rider Swap available.

8. Not try at least one new food or adult drink in the World Showcase

The World Showcase is home to a variety of quick and full service restaurants each serving foods from their country. Many guests skip the food and adult drinks, missing out on the opportunities to try unique foods from around the world without having to go abroad. For food you can’t go wrong with the Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in France. Located on the side of France’s gift cart this bakery truly has something for everyone. If you’re of age I recommend the margaritas in Mexico or France’s Grand Marnier and rum slushy- get the orange and enjoy an alcoholic creamsicle!

7. Not Watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Every night the Epcot and World Showcase put on a beautiful fireworks show called Illuminations. Illuminations often gets a bad reputation because it is not as exciting as Wishes or Fantasmic but it is a beautiful display of fireworks and lights that showcases the great nations of the world. FastPasses are available for this experience, however they are not needed. Choose your seat wisely, as Epcot closes after Illuminations so there will be many people trying to exit at once. For this I recommend sitting on the bridge by France if you are staying at the Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, or Swan and Dolphin Resorts because you will be able to quickly leave through the International Gateway. If you are parked in the parking lot, need to take a Disney bus or monorail you’re best bet is to sit close to Future World so you can be at the front of the pack when exiting.

6. Skipping the American Pavilion

Many American guests skip the American Pavilion thinking they know all about the country they reside in. However inside the pavilion lives two wonderful shows: Voices of Liberty and The American Adventure. The Voices of Liberty is a fifteen-minute performance of patriotic songs sung by a beautiful a capella group. The American Adventure is thirty-minute audio-animatronic show chronicling the history of the United States, led by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. This show runs several times a day and is a great way to get out of the sun and cool off.

5. Not talking to World Showcase Cast Members

The cast members in the World Showcase don’t just know a lot about the country pavilions they work in, they actually live in the countries! Thus they are a wealth of information about the country and their culture. If you have some spare time it is definitely worth taking some time to chat with them about their home countries. They love to share information and you may walk away learning a new thing or two!

4. Missing character meet and greets in the World Showcase

Many guests do not know that the World Showcase is home to many character meet and greets. Belle, Snow White, Aladdin and Jasmine, Winnie the Pooh and Friends are just some of the characters you can meet in the World Showcase in their countries of origin. Characters and times may vary so be sure to check your times guide for further details!

3. Not shopping

Epcot is home to many unique shops in the World Showcase. Each country has its own gift shop with merchandise related to that country. For some unique merchandise you won’t find anywhere else in Disney be sure to check out the gift shops. If you are looking for Disney merchandise, Mouse Gear, located in Future World is your one stop shop for all things Disney. For me, no trip is complete without a trip to Mouse Gear to check out what’s new!

2. Not Trying Club Cool

Located in Future World and sponsored by Coca-Cola, Club Cool features samples of sodas from around the world. It’s a great way to try something new while quenching your thirst, and best of all samples are completely free! If regular Coke is more your thing don’t miss the frozen Coke slushie also sold here. It’s a great way of cooling down after a hot Florida day.

1. Missing Oh Canada

I may be biased, because I love the Canada pavilion, but I think that Oh Canada is the best show in the World Showcase! This eighteen-minute movie, hosted by Martin Short showcases all Canada has to offer. The coolest thing about the movie is the theatre, it’s a 360° degree, so the movie shows all around you. For that reason, whenever my family goes to Epcot it’s a must do.

With these tips, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your day in Epcot!

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