Epcot

(Updated 10/5/2023)

Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is:

history, science, space, community, nature, Frozen, Ratatouille, Moana, Disney characters and princesses from around the world, Beauty and the Beast, Pixar, world culture, food and drink.

Epcot is divided into 4 neighborhoods.

The northern part of Epcot is where the main entrance to the park is located. This area consists of three of the neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. (NOTE: this part of Epcot is undergoing renovation but is starting to come together. Don’t let that deter you from visiting.) The south end of Epcot is the neighborhood called World Showcase. World Showcase also has an entrance on its western side near the Boardwalk Inn, Beach & Yacht Club and Swan & Dolphin resorts. Epcot is the only park that has two different entrances.

World Celebration | World Discovery | World Nature | World Showcase

World Celebration

As guests enter the main Epcot Entrance, World Celebration is located directly in front of them. Spaceship Earth, the park’s icon, looms large here. Take a ride through world history in a giant geodesic dome or have a weird purple dragon spark your imagination. Drink some truly awful international Coke products or shop until you drop. This area focuses on experiences that connect people to the world around them.

World Discovery

To the left of the World Celebration is World Discovery. Here you can fly to Mars or test drive your own vehicle. Take an elevator ride to a meal in space. The focus here is on science, technology and adventure.

World Nature

To the right of World Celebration is World Nature. Glide over exotic locations or take a horticultural boat ride (more fun than it sounds).  Visit Nemo AND see real clown fish in the aquarium. Talk to a righteous turtle. Eat inside an aquarium or in a rotating restaurant. Learn about the journey of water with Moana. This area’s focus is on understanding and preserving the natural world.

World Showcase

The World Showcase contains pavilions with entertainment, shopping and dining options from around the world. Circling a lagoon are 11 pavilions devoted to different countries: UK, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy,  America, Japan, Morocco, and France. Dining and snacking locations are abundant.  Here,  just taking a stroll around the world is entertainment. Many gift shops sell unique and interesting items.

Epcot is festival headquarters.

You will find a different festival going on at Epcot almost year round. Festival of the Arts, Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival and Festival of the Holidays. These seasonal offerings center around food, drink, art and gardening.

Make sure to grab a map and schedule when you enter the park or check My Disney Experience for that day’s activities.

Epcot is good for fans of: Frozen, Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, History, Space, Travel, Nature, World Culture, Food & Drink

Thrill Rides:  Test Track, Mission Space, & *NEW Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Dark/Slow boat rides: Frozen Ever After, Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land

Dark/Slow  rides: Soarin’ Around the World, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Journey into the Imagination with Figment, Spaceship Earth, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Shows/Exhibits: There is an outside interactive walkthrough exhibit, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, in the World of Nature area. OPENING 10/16/23 There are movies in some of the pavilions and entertainment throughout the park. Several of the pavilions have performances throughout the day but check the daily calendar. Check out the seasonal performance series at America Gardens Theatre.

Character Sightings:  Meet Pixar characters like Joy & Vanellope. The UK pavilion has Winnie the Pooh & Alice. Belle can be found in France and Jasmine in Morocco. Snow White meets in Germany and Mulan in China. Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has a character many princesses. Various “Disney Pals” like Pluto can also be found. For more details, be sure to grab a schedule and map when you enter the park. You can also check on My Disney Experience . Locate Epcot on the map and select “Characters” from the top pull down menu.

Dining:  3 Signature Table Service Restaurants, 1 Character Buffet Table Service Restaurant, 2 Character Meals, 1 Buffet Table Service Restaurant, 14 Table Service Restaurants, many Quick Service restaurants, bar/lounges and walk up ice cream/beverage/snack locations. During the festivals, there are a lot of additional food booths.

Evening Entertainment:  Fireworks and evening show, HarmonioUS through April 2, 2023. EPCOT Forever fireworks and evening show begins April 3, 2023. There is also a special Beacons of Magic night time celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Disney World through March 31, 2023.