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10 Tips & Tricks to Enjoy the Best Day Ever at EPCOT

Spending a Day at EPCOT during your Walt Disney World vacation is always super fun and full of magic.  To help make sure you don’t miss anything, we have the tips and tricks to help you have the best day ever while visiting EPCOT during your next visit.

1. Get There Early

EPCOT is the park that is opening the latest during this phased reopening at Walt Disney World.  Typically opening at 11, this allows for you to have a slower morning, but don’t wait too long to get to the park.  Because there are fewer rides at EPCOT, wait times can increase quickly.  To avoid that, make sure you get to the park anywhere from 60 to 30 minutes early.  Many times, guests are allowed into the park early and this is a fantastic way to get some rides in first prior to the crowds building.

2. Hit Big Rides First

If your travel party is a fan of thrill rides such as Test Track, Soarin or Mission Space, make sure you hit those first.  Test Track is constantly showing the longest wait times right now and with the summers months comes rain storms that will shut this attraction down.  If this is a must-do attraction for your party, we would recommend getting there first thing in the morning to knock it out.  From there, Soarin and Mission Space would be great options.  These wait times will build towards the middle of the day as well so getting them done in the morning can really help save time later in the day.

3. Spaceship Earth

You can’t visit EPCOT and not ride Spaceship Earth.  This iconic attraction is what Disney is all about- edutainment (education and entertainment in one).  Although you might not find it thrilling, the ride is a classic and one that should definitely be a part of your best day at EPCOT.  Don’t feel like you have to hit this attraction right away.  Often guests will stop here first thing because it is what they see as they walk in.  Consider skipping it and heading back later on in the day when wait times will lessen.

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4. The Seas

One of the hidden secrets of EPCOT is the seas located in the Seas Pavilion.  Here you can find one of the largest aquariums home to sharks, dolphins, manatees and so much more.  It is easy to rush right by this feature, but enjoy the air condition and stroll around the different areas to see all the amazing animals.  You can sometimes catch a feeding or even a scuba diver.  It is an amazing hidden aspect of EPCOT that shouldn’t be missed.

5. Enjoy the Countries

Each country throughout the World Showcase is an experience all on their own.  From hidden details, to changing displays, each pavilion truly brings the culture of the country to EPCOT for guests to get a little piece of while visiting EPCOT.  Don’t skip by these pavilions.  Go back and explore the unique features in each of them.  You will be surprised by all that you will discover.

6. Festival Fun

No matter when you visit EPCOT there is a good chance that a festival will be going on.  To have the best day ever, you will really want to enjoy all these festivals have to offer.  From delicious, unique food booths in all the countries, to entertainment and even interactive options- guests really love these festivals and the excitement they bring to EPCOT.  Try out a scavenger hunt, get brave and try out new food, sit and relax during a concert- no matter what you like, these festivals have something for everyone to enjoy.

Credit: Disney

7. Catch the Films

Something you may not know about EPCOT is that they have films throughout the park.  In the Land Pavilion guests can learn about the amazing planet we live on in Awesome Planet.  This film is a call to action to help protect the Earth with breathtaking images of our planet.  In the World Showcase, guests can celebrate countries such as Canada, France and China as each of the pavilions have films focused on the uniqueness of these countries. Finally, for something fun, the France Pavilion also has the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along where guests can join their favorite characters from this classic tale singing away to their favorite songs.  These films are a great way to escape the sun and crowds while still getting some education and entertainment.

8. Exciting Entertainment

Although a lot of EPCOT’s entertainment has been adjusted during this time, guests can still enjoy some entertainment throughout the World Showcase.  The Jaminators are often seen performing as well as the Voices of Liberty and Mariachi Cobre.  These unique performers bring a skill level and magic that you don’t get anywhere else.  Always check your My Disney Experience app for performance times as you don’t want to miss out on these or any other performances coming in the future.  

9. Outstanding Dinner Options

A great part of EPCOT is the special dining experiences guests can have throughout the park.  From dining with characters at Garden Grille to enjoying a candle light dinner at San Angel Inn or Chef de France, guests can find a location that will fit their goals.  To really enjoy EPCOT, you will want to take advantage of one (or more) of these amazing dining experiences.  Figure out what you want to eat and then explore all the options provided for you throughout the park.

10. Enchanted Evening

EPCOT truly comes to life in the evenings as the lights throughout the World Showcase come on and the countries come to life.  A best day at EPCOT takes time to enjoy the countries in the evening hours.  Stroll around and take in the beautiful sights that bring these countries alive.  Listen to the music, try the food, sit and relax and just enjoy the moment.  This is the best way to wrap up the best day ever at EPCOT. UPDATE: EPCOT’s “Epcot Forever” fireworks have returned! EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular, “Harmonious” is scheduled to debut on October 1, 2021.

Bonus! For an extra special day, don’t forget to catch a ride on Frozen Ever After and Gran Fiesta Tour:  Starring the Three Caballeros.  These two rides are fan favorites and do need to be in the best day ever at EPCOT. 

Disney’s EPCOT is a truly magical park.  With two stories to tell between the World Showcase and Future World, guests have so much to do and see during their visit.  Make sure to take in these tips and tricks the next time you head to EPCOT so you can have the best day ever.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.