The Ultimate EPCOT Touring Guide for Your Disney Trip

Planning your EPCOT adventure can feel overwhelming, but fear not! With a bit of planning and a sprinkle of Disney magic, you can enjoy an unforgettable day at EPCOT. Here’s a breakdown of our EPCOT touring plan from a recent trip that helped us maximize rides, savor festival treats, and enjoy the park’s unique entertainment offerings.

Setting Our Goals for the Day

We had a few key goals for our EPCOT visit:

1. Ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure for the first time.
2. Experience must-do attractions like Test Track and Soarin’ Around the World.
3. Immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival.
4. Relax and explore at our own pace while taking in the park’s entertainment offerings, like the Voices of Liberty and other World Showcase performances.

By identifying our must-dos and planning around them, we were ready to tackle the day with a clear strategy.

Morning: Early Entry Magic

Our day began early as we aimed to take advantage of EPCOT’s Early Theme Park Entry for Walt Disney World Resort guests. The park opened to us at 8:00 AM, so we set our alarms for 6:35 AM to handle our Individual Attraction Selections and make a game plan for the day.

• 7:00 AM: We successfully reserved an Individual Attraction Selection for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (11:30 AM).
• 7:36 AM: After a slight delay at our bus stop at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, we arrived at EPCOT by 7:50 AM, ready for the day.

Rope Drop Rides

With Early Entry access, we hit some major attractions with minimal wait times:

1. Soarin’ Around the World – Waited just 10 minutes for our flight over iconic landmarks.
2. Living with the Land – A peaceful boat ride exploring sustainable farming practices.
3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Walked right on and enjoyed the undersea adventure.
4. Spaceship Earth – A classic EPCOT experience completed by 9:00 AM.

While my husband and daughter braved Mission: SPACE, my son and I enjoyed snapping photos with Goofy and Pluto. By the time they finished, we headed over to Test Track, where we designed our dream cars before hitting the track.

Mid-Morning Fun: Exploring Bonus Attractions

With our must-do rides complete, we took advantage of shorter waits and delightful surprises:

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – A charming boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion.
• Character Meet-and-Greets – We met Mickey Mouse and captured magical moments outside the Imagination Pavilion.
• Jammin’ Gardeners – High-energy entertainment that had us smiling and clapping along near the Land Pavilion.

By 11:30 AM, it was time for our Individual Attraction Selection at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. While the ride temporarily went down, we lucked out and walked right on when it reopened. The immersive, larger-than-life experience in the France Pavilion was worth the wait!

Lunchtime Break at Disney’s Riviera Resort

For a midday escape, we boarded the Disney Skyliner and headed to Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Riviera’s stunning architecture and serene ambiance made this a perfect spot to recharge. After a delicious quick-service meal, we hopped back on the Skyliner, ready for an afternoon of exploration at EPCOT.

Afternoon: World Showcase Wonders

With full bellies and high spirits, we returned to EPCOT to enjoy the World Showcase:

1. Voices of Liberty – A moving, acapella performance in the American Adventure Pavilion.
2. Karamell-Küche – Sweet treats from Germany paired perfectly with a stroll through the pavilion’s model train village.
3. Mariachi Cobre – An authentic musical experience in the Mexico Pavilion that brought the magic of the culture to life.

As the day unfolded, we soaked in the atmosphere, indulging in festival snacks and drinks while appreciating the artistry of EPCOT’s entertainment and landscaping.

Reflection: Making the Most of Your EPCOT Day

Our day at EPCOT was a perfect balance of rides, entertainment, and relaxation. Here’s what worked well for us:

• Early Entry: Allowed us to hit popular rides like Soarin’ and Test Track with minimal waits.
• Individual Attraction Selection: Booking Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ahead of time ensured we didn’t miss this highlight.
• Midday Break: The Skyliner trip to Disney’s Riviera Resort for lunch was a refreshing pause before diving back into the action.
• Embracing the Festival: The International Flower & Garden Festival offered unique treats and gorgeous displays, adding to the day’s magic.

Tips for Your Next Visit

• Plan Your Priorities: Decide on your must-do rides and attractions before arriving.
• Use the My Disney Experience App: Check wait times, entertainment schedules, and mobile ordering options.
• Consider Park Hopping: With efficient planning and early entry, you can maximize your time at EPCOT and even hop to another park, as we did with Magic Kingdom.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone who loves discovering hidden gems, EPCOT has something for everyone. With thoughtful planning, you can create a magical day filled with unforgettable moments.

By refining our touring strategy, we experienced the best EPCOT had to offer without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We hope these tips inspire your next adventure at Walt Disney World!