7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Epcot’s Future World

Some people are confused as to what Future World at Epcot is all about. Is it a place for thrill rides? Is it an educational experience? Is it a great place to meet characters? Future World is all of those things and more. Here are seven tips to help you make the most out of your time in Future World.

7. Do the “Lame” Rides Anyway

You may have read complaints about a few of the attractions in Future World. Journey Into the Imagination With Figment, Living with the Land, The Seas With Nemo & Friends, and Ellen’s Energy Adventure all seem to have their fair share of haters. Do them anyway, and ride with an open mind. Don’t let anyone else define what you should like and not like on your vacation. One word about Ellen’s Energy Adventure; yes, it is 45 minutes long if you include the preshow. It’s also a great way to take a break on a hot summer’s day. Once you board the trains you won’t be able to leave, so if your kids can’t sit for too long you might want to skip this one.

6. Stop by Club Cool

Future World has one of the best freebies at Walt Disney World. Club Cool is located near the Fountain of Nations, not too far from Fountain View. At Club Cool you can try cold Coke products from around the world. They are only to sample, you can’t fill up your water bottle, but it’s still a great way to quench your thirst for free. You can drink as much as you want while you are there. Try Beverly, if you dare, it has quite a reputation. There are also items for sale, but Club Cool is all about the free drinks.

5. Learn Something

One of the fun things about Epcot is that the kids aren’t the only ones who will learn something. In Future World you can train to be an astronaut, learn about the food that is grown at the park, visit a coral reef, and a lot more. There are plenty of hands on activities, or you can explore and learn. There is even more to learn in the spring, when the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place, and also at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall. You are never too old to learn something new, and in Future World you will have plenty of opportunities to do just that.

4. FastPass+, FastPass+, FastPass+!

Some of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides are located in Future World, so you will need to take advantage of FastPass+. At Epcot the selections are in tiers, you can pick one attraction from Tier One and two from Tier Two. With Soarin’ and Test Track both Tier One attractions, you’ll have a difficult choice to make. Do not even think of visiting Epcot without using FastPass+, unless you like to wait in long lines.

3. Arrive at Rope Drop

Since two of Epcot’s most popular Future World attractions are both Tier One FastPass+ choices, you will want to arrive at rope drop. Most days of the year the park opens at 9:00am. Head immediately to the ride that you did not get a FastPass+ for. Then spend the next couple of hours exploring Future World, since World Showcase does not open until two hours later. If you don’t have a FastPass+ for Test Track and the line seems too long, remember that there is a single rider line. Early in the day is also a great time for character pictures.

2. Don’t Forget the Restaurants

World Showcase is known for its dining choices, and rightly so. There you can enjoy dishes from the 11 host countries. That does not mean that you should skip the restaurants in Future World. Coral Reef Restaurant is full service, and you will feel like you are dining underwater, due to the saltwater coral reef filled with 85 different aquatic species. At Sunshine Seasons you can have fresh dishes that feature food that was grown in the park’s greenhouses. The Garden Grill is a character dining experience, hosted by Chip ‘n’ Dale. Those are just a few of the dining options in Future World.

1. Go Behind the Scenes

To truly get the most out of Future World, sign up for a behind the scenes tour. You can learn about the plants that are grown in the park’s greenhouses, or head into the water in one of several aquatic adventures. If it’s all of Future World that you want to know more about, consider The UnDISCOVERed Future World. It’s a four hour walking tour that will teach you how Walt Disney’s vision for a futuristic community became the Epcot of today. You’ll get to see many behind the scenes areas, and also learn about IllumiNations. For more information on The UnDISCOVERed Future World or any of the other behind the scenes tours, call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687).