Top 10 Have-To-Do’s: Epcot Edition At Walt Disney World

Each of the four Walt Disney World parks are wonderful and magical, but there’s just so much to do! Not everything can be done in just one visit, unfortunately. But there are certain things that just must be seen once in a lifetime. This is my list of the top ten things I think everyone should do at least once in Epcot:

10. Travel the World With Kidcot

Okay, don’t laugh. I know this is for kids, but it’s super fun! This activity is a great way to get involved with the World Showcase without it taking over your trip. This way, you get to go to each country and explore a little bit and move on to the next. In each country pavilion there are KidCot stations where a Cast Member provides a country informative card, Ziploc “suitcase” (bag) and stickers specific to each country. Each stop has something unique.

9. Check Out Innoventions

This building is one of a kind and often goes unnoticed. Located in the heart of Future World, Innoventions has exhibits meant for learning and fun. While this all sounds like a science class field trip, Disney makes sure it’s so much more than that. Each exhibit is hands on and played out as a game or an experience that puts you into the action. This is definitely a special and a great way to break up your day in Epcot, especially in those hot summer months. Sit for awhile in the air conditioning and let the kids have some fun. I’ve been known to cut through here on my way to another location just for a blast of the cool air on really hot days.

8. Do Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

This is another one for kids, but it’s a guilty pleasure of mine. Each family can pick their interactive handheld device-AKA an outdated flip phone-at several locations in the World Showcase.  There, you’ll be briefed for your mission to save the world from one of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil schemes. On your device, all your favorite characters from Phineas and Ferb will help you along your way. Each Pavilion in the Showcase has special interactive surprises hidden in and around. These missions each last under an hour and are a great way to get kids (and adults!) excited about going around the World!

7. Travel Through Spaceship Earth

This great ball has become the icon for Epcot, and rightly so.  I find it hard to believe that anyone who has been to the park has not been on this ride, but hey, anything can happen. The inside of Spaceship Earth holds a massive ride that travels through time to grasp a better understanding of this world we live in. It’s a slow moving ride that everyone can love. The ride is clearly several years old, but the charm and history remains. It’s an essential, fun at-least-once in Epcot.

6. Take a Flight on Soarin’

Since Soarin’ was updated to Soarin’ Around the World, it is better than ever. You’ll fly over the Matterhorn, the Great Wall of China, Iguazu Falls, and Epcot to name a few! There are plenty of sights and scents to experience. If you liked soaring around California you are definitely going to love soaring all around the globe. This has always been a favorite that stays busy but with the addition a third theatre wait times have stayed manageable.

5. Eat Dinner in World Showcase

Disney has some pretty spectacular restaurants on property, but there are also amazing places inside EPCOT itself. Every World Showcase Pavilion has its own restaurant specific to its respective country. While I haven’t had the pleasure of eating in all of these restaurants, I have dined in quite a few and can honestly say they are wonderful. Most are fairly pricey, but they’re definitely worth it at least once. It’s nice and fun to have a small taste of each country!

4. Candlelight Processional

Unfortunately, this event only takes place during the Christmas season, so it’s extra special when it does come around. The Processional takes place in the Theater across from the American Adventure Pavilion. Huge choirs and orchestras dressed in robes and holding-you guessed it: candles, fill the stage. Each weekend a separate celebrity narrator takes the stage to read the Christmas story between numbers. This is a beautiful way to get in the Christmas spirit and usually takes place for several weeks at a time.

3. Flower and Garden Festival

Nothing gets me ready for spring more than the Flower and Garden Festival. While Epcot is beautiful year round, during the Festival the park blooms. Pun intended. Topiaries and massive flowerbeds pop up all over the World Showcase and Future World. There are more than just flowers: playgrounds, a cranberry bog, and a butterfly house also make up this fun Festival. Guest speakers and experts from HGTV come and do demonstrations throughout. If nothing else, it’s just fun to walk around the park and take in the beautiful sights: it really is amazing!

2. Food and Wine Festival

Who wouldn’t want to eat and drink their way around the world? Here is another festival exclusive to Epcot. In the fall, the World Showcase becomes an international taste test loop. Each country and several regions set up booths with small servings of foods unique to their country. This event has gotten bigger and bigger over the years. Along with the food booths, there are artistry booths, wine tastings and seminars, and special ways to purchase and remember your stops. This event is just truly fun. It’s very laid back and a great way to get a unique taste of each country!

1. Watch IllumiNations

Epcot’s main nightly fireworks show is Illuminations and truly a spectacle in itself. Held in the World Showcase Lagoon, this event is more than just fireworks.  A giant, rotating globe centers the show and illustrates humanity’s history and hope for the future.  The show is spectacular and essentially gives a 12-minute demonstration of EPCOT’s mission statement.  The park is always fun at night, so if you’re hanging around at 9 o’clock, make sure to grab a spot around the Lagoon!