The second of the Walt Disney World theme parks confuses some people. Is it a glimpse into the future, or a living world museum? Is it educational, or a place for thrill rides? The answer is that Epcot is all of these and more. While the theme park does not closely resemble the vision that Walt Disney had for a living community, it does have something for everyone.
There have been some changes at Epcot but many of these have been overshadowed by the changes taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The best known change is the closure of Maelstrom that made way for “Frozen Ever After”. Other changes include the end of Off Kilter, Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps, and more. Here are six attractions that we hope will be around for years to come.
6) Mission: SPACE
Future World
This is a love it or hate it ride. Some people will say that it’s the best ride on the planet, others will say that it made them sick and they will never go near it again. It certainly is intense, in fact they offer two separate tracks so that those who want to try a milder ride can still blast off to space. The experience starts when you see the building, and it just gets better from there. After a quick briefing, you’ll be given your assignments and prepare for your journey to space. What could go wrong? If you want to skip the ride or need to get your Earth-legs back after it’s over, check out Advanced Training Lab. There you can play games and email a postcard to someone back home.
5) Live Entertainment
Various Locations
There have been some changes in the live entertainment at Epcot, and we hope that they are over and done. There are some incredible shows, and they’re a great way to pass the time as you wait for your dining reservation. Marvel at Sergio’s abilities, sing along with Voices of Liberty, or rock out to British Revolution. These are just a few of the live entertainment choices that we hope will be around for a long time.
4) Spaceship Earth
Future World
Okay, it’s not the most exciting ride that you’ll find at Walt Disney World, but it’s also a classic. Travel through the history of communications inside the “giant golf ball” that is the park’s icon. While the ride has undergone some changes since it opened, it has kept the same feel. Once your journey has finished, spend some time at Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. It’s a great place to explore the future, in air conditioned comfort.
3) IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
World Showcase Lagoon
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is one of those things that you need to experience, it’s hard to explain. It’s part fireworks, part laser show, and part history lesson. A giant globe is used to remind us that there is hope for the human race after all. It’s stunning, and the perfect way to end your day at Epcot.
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2) Soarin’
Future World
Soarin’ is a fun ride to dream about right now. This ride shut down somewhat recently for major refurbishment. The movie has been updated to an international theme, and the ride’s capacity has been expanded to cut down on lines. This new version of Soarin takes you on an adventure around the globe and features sites like Iguaza Falls and The Matterhorn with new smells in tow! You don’t feel like you’re on a theme park ride, it really does resemble flying. Since this update was done fairly recently I think it’s safe to think that Soarin’ in some form will be around for many years to come!
1) Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Future World
Test Track underwent a major refurbishment in 2012. The queue line was changed, the instructions film was removed, and the surroundings on the track were all updated. Some people love the new version, other liked it better before. Either way, the track itself has not changed, and the ride is a rush. It’s a great thrill ride for people who don’t like drops and for those who love going fast. A nice feature about Test Track is that there is a single rider line, which helps everyone to be able to ride with a shorter wait. There’s something special about the moment when the door opens and your car heads outside at top speed. Test Track is one attraction that needs to stay at Epcot forever.