PlanningThe ParksTips

Do This, Not That: Prioritizing EPCOT Experiences

We love that there is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World.  No matter how many times we visit, we can always find something new to try out for the first time.  With the four main theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios), the two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and all Disney Resorts, as well as Disney Springs there is always something to do.

The downfall with this is that you can’t see and do it all during one vacation to Walt Disney World.  You are going to have to prioritize and determine what you want to focus on during your visit.

We previously focused on what we would suggest prioritizing in Magic Kingdom.  As the iconic Disney Park, we thought that was a good starting point.  Now we are going to switch to the Park that is constantly seeing new and exciting experiences open.

EPCOT has had a big 2021-2022 as it has opened a few new rides with more to come.  We all know that when visiting EPCOT in the future, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind should be your priority.

After this new, thrilling coaster, what should you do and what should you not do with your time in EPCOT.

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land

This is a tricky one as we think that both of these rides are classic EPCOT and should be experienced if possible.  If you don’t have enough time to do both, we would push Guests towards experiencing Spaceship Earth instead of Living with the Land.

First of all, there is something to be said for taking a ride inside the Park’s icon.  Not only that but being able to see a classic ride that truly tells an amazing story of communication is extremely unique to EPCOT.

We also think that this ride is slightly more entertaining than Living with the Land.  Although we appreciate seeing all of the work that is being done in EPCOT when it comes to food production, we like the overall ride experience from Spaceship Earth more.

Both of these rides are classic EPCOT and focus on edutainment.  If you only have time for one, we would recommend taking a ride on Spaceship Earth.

Soarin in Epcot
credit: Disney

Soarin’ Around the World, Test Track

Two of the more popular rides in EPOCT are Soarin’ Around the World and Test Track.  Both of these are unique, exciting rides that Guests greatly enjoy.  The issue is often how to ride them both in one day without extremely long lines.

If you aren’t able to rope drop or get a Genie+ reservation for these rides, we would focus on Soarin’ Around the World over Test Track.

We know that kids absolutely love Test Track; however, besides the outdoor race to 65 mph, there isn’t much exciting or thrilling about Test Track.

Soarin’ Around the World is a truly immersive experience that shows off Disney Imagineering as it takes you to amazing places around the world.  We love how it plays on our senses to make us feel like we really are in these unique places.

Because of everything the Soarin’ Around the World has to offer, we would choose it over Test Track.

connections eatery
Credit: Disney Park Blog

Connections Cafe & Eatery, Sunshine Seasons

Until recently we would have recommended that Guests head to Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion for mealtime.  There is a lot of seating and a variety of options to choose from when it comes to entrees.

This opinion has changed with the recent opening of Connections Cafe & Eatery.  This new dining location in EPCOT has knocked it out of the Park.  Not only does the new location offer wide-open seating for Guests, but the menu is also fantastic as well.

With a combination of comfort foods and unique options, Guests will all find something they like here.  We like this new location overall because- it is new.  New menu items, new seating area, new feel.

Even though Sunshine Seasons is still a good option, the freshness that Connections Cafe & Eatery offers is why we would choose it for our dining option.

Pixar Short Film Festival

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, Journey into Imagination with Figment

When looking for a place to sit down and relax a little in EPCOT, there are a few options throughout the Park.  Two options that typically don’t ever see long wait times are found over in the Imagination Pavilion.

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival along with Journey into Imagination with Figment are two experiences that allow Guests to have a seat and enjoy some air conditioning.  When choosing between these two experiences, however, we would pick Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival.

We know that Figment has a loyal following and we do think that the beloved purple dragon is adorable; however, his ride leaves something to be desired.

The short films are some of the best produced by Disney and Pixar and always have a great message for both kids and adults.  Because it appeals to the whole family, we think the short films are the way to go.

Even though EPCOT is undergoing a major refurbishment, there is still so much to see and do in this Disney Park.  As big as EPCOT is, it becomes hard to see and do it all during one visit.  We hope that by providing these suggestions you will be able to better prioritize your experiences while in EPCOT during your Walt Disney World vacation.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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