EPCOT is in a phase of growing and changing, and with that, there are constantly new and exciting experiences coming. New rides and experiences have been added, with more coming. With the addition of these new experiences, we are starting to see crowds build at EPCOT. We want to help you have a magical time, so we have some tips for experiencing EPCOT during your Walt Disney World vacation.
Arrive Early
When visiting Walt Disney World, the best way to avoid large crowds is by being to the Parks early. Take advantage of early entry if you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. This allows you to enter EPCOT thirty minutes before a posted opening.
Although thirty minutes might not seem like a lot of time, it is a great way to experience a top attraction such as Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure before the crowds build.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The most popular ride in EPCOT is the newest Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This reverse launch coaster can only be experienced by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane or joining the virtual queue. Both open at 7 am for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. If this ride is essential to your travel group, we highly recommend investing in the Individual Lightning Lane.
Although we have been impressed at how well the virtual queue has been working, having an Individual Lightning Lane purchase will help guarantee your ride experience. It also allows you to select your return window, making it easier to schedule your day.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure- France Pavilion
A family-friendly experience, Remy’s shrinks Guests down to the size of a rat as they rush through Gusteau’s kitchen. With a combination of screens and large scenes, this ride is full of adventure for the whole family.
Since the whole family can ride this ride together, lines get exceptionally long quickly. Avoid those lines with one of the options below:
- Purchase Genie+ and have Remy’s be your first selection at 7 am
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
Frozen Ever After- Norway Pavilion
Another trendy ride for the whole family is Frozen Ever After. A dark boat ride through the story of Frozen, this slow-moving ride is a favorite of all. Crowds gather quickly for this ride, which stays long throughout the day. Even though it can load many people, the line often extends into the sun. To avoid this long wait, consider one of the following options:
- Purchase Genie+
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
Test Track- World Discovery
Test Track continues to be one of the most popular rides at EPCOT, and the wait times continue to show this. Kids love creating their car and testing it out in various situations, including the popular high-speed thrill that takes Guests outside.
The lines for Test Track build early in the morning, so this is one you want to have a plan for avoiding long waits.
- Purchase Genie+
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
- Single Rider Line
Spaceship Earth- World Celebration
The most iconic ride at EPCOT is Spaceship Earth. Although it is not an exciting ride to many, the wait times do often increase throughout the day as everyone feels like they need to experience Spaceship Earth at least once- and we happen to agree—experience how our communication has improved over time as you enjoy a nice, relaxing ride through history.
Overall, many Guests think of riding Spaceship Earth right away because it is the first thing they see walking into EPCOT. We suggest returning later in the day when wait times are typically lower.
For lower waits, you can pick an option:
- Genie+
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
Soarin Around the World- World Nature, Land Pavilion
One of our favorite rides in EPCOT is Soarin’ Around the World. This ride takes Guests around the world to beautiful places that are immersive and wonderful. As the ride is a more extended experience, wait times tend to peak during the day as more Guests head inside to get out of the heat.
If you are there during a busy time, be prepared with one of the options below:
- Purchase Genie+
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
Mission Space- World Discovery
Mission Space offers two different ride experiences depending on Guests adventure level. Both sides are to simulate being an astronaut, with the green side being less intense than the orange side.
If you are brave enough to ride, use one of the following choices to have a lower wait:
- Purchase Genie+
- Use early entry or extended evening hours
- Hit at Park close
- Arrive early
For Genie+, you can only ride once daily, so choose your side carefully.
Festivals
It wouldn’t be a trip to EPCOT without spending time at the fantastic festivals. The festival brings EPCOT to life with new food, drinks, and live performances. Take time during your visit to enjoy all these festivals as you make your way around the World Showcase. The best part of the festivals is that you can enjoy them at your own pace. No need to have a plan, but casually stroll and enjoy.
Those are some of our top tips for experiencing EPCOT. We look forward to all the new experiences coming in the future that will continue to make this Park magical.
