Ready for a new series? We are, too! We at Disney Dining are dedicated to bringing you the “best of” when it comes to tips and tricks at Walt Disney World. Contrary to our name, this doesn’t always only apply to delicious eats and treats, but if we’re going to bring you the “best,” we’ve also got to cover the “worst.”
However, instead of telling you what we think, we’ve decided to go straight to the most dependable source: you! So, based on fan reviews through a multitude of websites and message boards, let’s dive right in with your “worst ride at EPCOT.”
Welcome to EPCOT, the magical theme park where imagination and technology collide! While EPCOT is renowned for its breathtaking attractions and captivating experiences, a few rides inevitably fall short of the high standards set by their counterparts.
EPCOT, the famed Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow, opened in 1982. Since then, it’s gone through a series of changes to keep it fresh. Despite big draw attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT is probably most famous for the World Showcase.
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This sprawling section of the park encompasses the World Showcase Lagoon, offering guests a chance to travel internationally without leaving Florida. With eleven different countries represented, Disney Park guests can access culturally relevant food, entertainment, and, of course, alcohol from places like Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and Norway.
EPCOT Isn’t the Best Place for Attractions
The World Showcase itself is home to a few rides. Gran Fiesta Tour calls Mexico home, while Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are both casually nestled in Norway and France.
Although these attractions aren’t anything to write home about, with some like Frozen Ever After even drawing jeers from fans of its predecessor, Maelstrom, neither is considered the “worst ride” at EPCOT.
Although they may not be worth a lightning lane in some opinions, the nostalgia or technological advancements of these attractions keep them safe from the bottom of the pile in a park that doesn’t offer much to do in terms of rides.
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So, what about the other “to-dos” at EPCOT? Near the front of the park, amidst all the construction, you’ll find pathways that lead you to World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration. Here, you’ll find other popular offerings at EPCOT, such as The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space.
Outside of The World Showcase
Guests can also enjoy a few other low-key attractions in these areas, like Living with the Land, Test Track, Soarin’, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment. Some of these aforementioned selections are pretty old. Spaceship Earth opened the same year as the park in 1982, with Living with the Land.
Although it’s clear what the “best ride” is at EPCOT, maybe even Walt Disney World, there was some contention regarding the “worst ride” within the theme park. The internet is full of opinions, and many made claims that Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and even Frozen Ever After are the worst that Disney World’s second park has to offer.
Although some negative reviews for rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are extreme, they’re understandable as everyone expects all Disney attractions to match the caliber and Imagineering seen in other Disney World attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
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However, in exploring online reviews, the consensus falls dead even amongst two well-known EPCOT attractions. It would seem that the wide majority of EPCOT guests dislike these two rides, which means that EPCOT has TWO worse rides.
The Worst Ride at EPCOT
Coming in at 3 ½ stars on TripAdvisor, Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Mission: SPACE were voted the worst rides at EPCOT in Walt Disney World.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Once hailed as a beloved attraction, Journey into Imagination with Figment has seen a significant decline in popularity over the years. Initially opened in 1983, the ride underwent several changes, leaving fans disappointed and nostalgic for its former glory.
One of the main reasons for the ride’s downfall is the mismatched mascot, Figment. While Figment has a devoted fan base, his role in Journey into Imagination lacks the charisma and appeal that other Disney characters possess. As a result, guests often find themselves wanting a more engaging and relatable companion.
The ride’s storyline fails to captivate visitors, lacking the enchanting narratives found in other EPCOT attractions. “Journey into Imagination” attempts to explore the creative process and the wonders of the imagination but falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging plot. The absence of a strong and compelling narrative leaves guests feeling disconnected and disengaged throughout the ride.
Another glaring issue is the ride’s outdated technology and special effects. Over time, advancements in theme park technology have rendered certain aspects of “Journey into Imagination” obsolete and unimpressive. Guests are disappointed by the lack of modern and innovative elements, which are characteristic of other EPCOT attractions.
One of the highlights of any theme park experience is the thrill factor. Unfortunately, Journey into Imagination with Figment lacks the excitement and entertainment value expected from a Disney ride. The absence of thrilling moments and engaging interactions contributes to the ride’s status as one of the worst in EPCOT.
While EPCOT boasts an impressive lineup of attractions that captivate the imagination and generate lasting memories, Journey into Imagination with Figment falls short of these expectations. The ride’s decline in popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including an underwhelming mascot, lackluster storyline, outdated technology, and a dearth of thrills. As guests explore the wonders of Epcot, they may find that other attractions offer a more immersive and memorable experience.
Mission: SPACE
When it comes to the iconic attractions at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, there are numerous rides that capture the imagination and transport visitors to fantastical worlds. However, amidst the array of thrilling attractions, one ride has garnered a reputation for being the worst at EPCOT – Mission: SPACE. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Mission: SPACE is often considered the least enjoyable experience in the park.
One of the main reasons why Mission: SPACE is often labeled as the worst ride at EPCOT is its intense and overwhelming experience. The ride simulates a journey to Mars, complete with realistic motion and a centrifugal force that simulates the feeling of gravity. While some visitors enjoy the adrenaline rush, others find the intense nature of the ride to be uncomfortable and disorienting. The confined space within the ride vehicle and the tight restraints can exacerbate this feeling, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
Mission: SPACE has gained notoriety for causing motion sickness among riders. The combination of realistic motion, centrifugal forces, and the enclosed space can be particularly challenging for individuals who are prone to motion sickness. The ride’s constant spinning and simulated movements can induce nausea and dizziness, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the experience. As a result, many visitors opt to avoid Mission: SPACE altogether to prevent any discomfort during their day at EPCOT.
Another aspect that contributes to Mission: SPACE being considered the worst ride at EPCOT is its limited appeal. The attraction primarily caters to thrill-seekers and space enthusiasts, leaving little room for those seeking a more relaxed or immersive experience. Unlike other popular rides at EPCOT, Mission: SPACE may not resonate with a broader audience, leading to disappointment among visitors who were expecting a more inclusive and enjoyable attraction.
One criticism often leveled against Mission: SPACE is its lack of immersive theming and storytelling. While Disney is renowned for its ability to transport guests into magical worlds, the overall theming in this particular ride falls short. The setting and narrative are relatively straightforward, focusing more on the simulation aspect rather than the captivating storytelling elements found in other attractions at EPCOT. This lack of depth and engagement can leave visitors feeling underwhelmed and less connected to the experience.
While EPCOT offers a wide range of captivating and immersive attractions, Mission: SPACE often finds itself at the center of discussions about the worst rides in the park. The primary factors contributing to this reputation are the intense and overwhelming experience, motion sickness concerns, limited appeal, and lack of theming and storytelling. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s preferences and tolerances differ, and what may be the worst ride for some could still be an exciting adventure for others.
Worst Ride at EPCOT: What Do You Think?
Although not held in the same regard as Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios when it comes to rides, EPCOT is no slouch. However, as the park further becomes more about food and alcohol and less about the old-school Disney vibes that it once gave off, we think that your assessment of selecting Mission: SPACE and Journey Into Imagination as the worst rides at EPCOT is fair.
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When we consider the ground-breaking technology that Disney has begun incorporating into some of their best rides, understanding that Mission: SPACE is undesirable as it makes guests extremely ill and Figment could be considered boring, the fact that reviewers, your peers, picked these two makes sense, especially considering that EPCOT is home to one of the best rides Disney has ever built in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
However, although Figment and Mission: SPACE may not hold a candle to similar ride systems at Disney World, like Haunted Mansion or Star Tours, a crowd still adores each. Despite what you may feel about the consensus here, I think we can all agree that EPCOT is in need of more updated attractions for guests to enjoy during their time in the theme park.