You can’t take a Disney vacation in Walt Disney World without visiting EPCOT. The Disney Park offers something for everyone, from thrilling attractions to educational experiences, excellent dining options, and a chance to experience other cultures. The EPCOT International Festivals also add magic to your Disney trip. There are four to experience throughout the year:
- Festival of the Arts in January and February
- Flower & Garden Festival from March through July
- Food and Wine Festival, beginning in July and ending in November
- Festival of the Holidays in November and December
But what are the non-negotiable experiences when visiting EPCOT? There are eight non-negotiables to experience in EPCOT, in our opinion. Here they are!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
You’ll find EPCOT’s newest ride in World Discovery. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the smoothest ride experience in the Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy a reverse-launch roller coaster that will give you the feeling of traveling through time and space. An incredible soundtrack will accompany your intergalactic adventure, leaving you wanting more. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is available to experience through the use of the Virtual Queue or by Individual Lightning Lane Entry. Don’t leave EPCOT theme park without accompanying Rocket, Root, Gamora and Star-Lord on an epic mission!
Explore World Showcase
Do you want to travel the world? EPCOT World Showcase allows you to experience a snapshot of eleven countries from around the world. Stroll 1.2 miles around World Showcase Lagoon, sampling international delicacies, sipping on local beverages, interacting with Cast Members from around the world, and getting an insight into countries you have yet to visit. Around World Showcase, you’ll find several attractions to experience. In particular, you won’t want to miss Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion.
During the evening, secure a spot around World Showcase Lagoon to see EPCOT Forever light up the skies. The nighttime spectacular celebrates iconic EPCOT rides, attractions, and celebrations from previous years.
Soarin’ Around The World
Continue your travels by riding Soarin’ Around The World. Experience a hand-gliding adventure over many world wonders in a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome. Before returning to Walt Disney World, you’ll soar over countries including China, Egypt, India, Africa, Fiji, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and France. For the best view, you’ll want to sit in section B.
Eat in the France Pavilion
While there are plenty of excellent restaurants in EPCOT, you will want to experience the offerings in the France Pavilion. Full-service restaurants are available to dine in; however, we recommend visiting the quick-service restaurants.
Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie is open throughout the day and serves a wide selection of delectable treats and tempting delicacies. You can order freshly baked sandwiches, hot soups, salads, and pastries if you need a savory item. Meanwhile, the sweet treats are incredibly tempting. They include strawberry tarts, chocolate eclairs, creme brûlée, macarons, and more. Order a gourmet coffee, wine, or champagne to accompany your food.
Another place we always visit in the France Pavilion is L’Artisan des Glaces. It’s the perfect place to get a frozen treat to help you cool down. There are plenty of ice cream and sorbet flavors to choose from. You can enjoy your choice of flavor from a cup or a waffle cone. For something a little more unique, we recommend ordering the Croque Glace. Your choice of scoop is served with sauce in a warmed homemade brioche.
Visit Club Cool
Have you heard of the infamous Beverly? Then EPCOT is the place to try it. Club Cool offers Guests the chance to sample Coca-Cola products from around the world for free. When you need a refreshment, Club Cool is the place to take advantage of one of the free things available to Guests in EPCOT. You’ll find Club Cool between World Discovery and World Celebration (previously known as Future World), next to Creations. Inside, collect a sample cup and try a variety of different flavors. Which one will be your favorite?
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Prepare for a 4D culinary adventure with Chef Remy from Ratatouille (2007). Shrink down to the size of a rat and explore Gusteau’s restaurant the way Remy and Emilie do in the Disney film. Expect to be wowed as you board your rat-inspired vehicle, which moves through the attraction without a track. Expect a long line for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. However, the wait is worth it. Using Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane can help reduce your wait time. Alternatively, plan to visit the attraction during Early Theme Park Entry or at the end of the day during EPCOT Forever.
Watch the Spaceship Earth Light Show
Like Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, Spaceship Earth is the icon of EPCOT. During the day, she looks like a giant golf ball. However, she is transformed in the evening with a stunning light show. Watch in amazement as the lights change color, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. During the EPCOT Festivals, limited-time shows feature on Spaceship Earth, in time with music. Make time to spend some time near EPCOT’s entrance to experience the show’s beauty.
Dine in Space 220
A Disney restaurant that should be part of your plans when visiting EPCOT is Space 220. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the Walt Disney World Resort, but when you experience it, you’ll understand why. You’ll sit at a table inside a space station that offers incredible views of Planet Earth and other parts of space. The 2-course prix fixe lunch and 3-course prix fixe dinner menu feature celestial-inspired, modern American cuisine. Advance dining reservations are required to guarantee your dining experience in Space 220.
Don’t worry if you can’t secure an advance dining reservation. Instead, dining at the Space 220 Lounge is an excellent option. Your experience will be similar to dining at Space 220 restaurant. You can order dishes from the a la carte menu while sipping on a beverage from the varied menu. Enjoy the ambiance, food, and drinks without sticking to the prix fixe menu.
What are your non-negotiable when spending time in EPCOT theme park? Do you agree with our selections? Are there any that you would change for other experiences?
Find out about the non-negotiable experiences in Magic Kingdom Park here.
